An easy victory in Berlin!
Olympiacos held on to the tradition that wants him invincible against Alba, beating the German team in Berlin 99-80 and is now focusing on the home game against Armani Milano (29/11, 21:30 LT).
Relying on excellent defense, as well as very good percentages (8/10 twos and 4/6 threes in the first quarter), the “reds” established the tempo early one (6-14 at 4’0 and closed the first quarter leading by 13 (17-30). Next, Giorgos Printezis took over from Augistine Rubit, Nikola Milutinov dominated the post, Kostas Papanikolaou was excellent on both ends of the floor and the margin skyrocketed to +21 (34-53 at 18’). Alba – that was continuously scoring from the free throws line (12/12) – tried to return to the game, however, Olympiacos maintained a steady distance (38-55) up to the completion of the first part.
Augustine Rubit remained in constant connection to the post and had a major contribution for our team to get a +25 (65-40 at 25’). However, Alba reacted and relying on its perimeter percentages (5/6 threes in the third quarter!), closed in to 14p. (57-71). Olympiacos replied with a 8-0 partial and took the difference back to +22 (57-79 at 32’), the hosts ‘struck’ from the perimeter and once again closed in to 14 (65-79), however, Brandon Paul returned the favor! The American favor was ‘hot’ behind the three point line and was the key player so as the ‘reds’ get the victory (+26, 73-99 at 38’). During the last two minutes, Olympiacos did not score, relaxed its defense and received a 7-0 streak.
* Before the first part was completed, Willie Reed felt disturbance with his abductor muscle and was not able to finish the game.
The quarters: 17-30, 38-55, 57-76, 80-99.
Alba Berlin (Reneses): Mayson 15 (3), Giffey 8 (2), Eriksson 16 (4), Mattisseck 3 (1), Schneider 9 (3), Hermannsson 6, Nikic, Ogbe 2, Giedraitis 4, Nnoko 11, Sikma 6.
Οlympiacos (Κemzura): Punter, Rochestie 5 (1 3p., 6 as.), Baldwin 6 (2as.), Paul 12 (4 3p., 2 as.), Κoniaris 7 (1 3p., 4 as.), Spanoulis 11 (2 3p., 4 as.), Μilutinov 8 (6 reb.), Vezenkov 5 (1), Printezis 15 (2), Papanikolaou 12 (2 3p., 4 reb.), Rubit 16 (1 3p., 8 reb.), Reed 2.
"It wasn’t easy, we made it look this way"
The Olympiacos coach, Kestutis Kemzura, commented: “First of all, I would like to congratulate my players and associates. I think we made a very solid plan, which was executed well. I think transition defense was the key tonight. For the most part of the game, especially in the first half, we did an excellent job in that part. We did not allow our opponent to run the fast break and score threes. Also controlling the ball in the post was crucial. Rubit, Milutinov and Printezis did an excellent job. Alba tied to come in the second half, but we found a way to stop them. The important thing is we succeeded to win the game and it was a very important victory for us. Some may say it was an easy game, but it wasn’t. We made it look that way”.
Also, Giorgos Printezis said: “We lost our own game two night ago and it hurt us a lot. We have improved during recent games, but the important thing is for such a new team to win. No matter how good you, it’s not enough, you need to win. We came in determined and knew that Alba is a good team and they can punish you if you don’t pay attention. So we remained focused and tried to avoid fast breaks that are their strong asset. You can’t do things with a magic wand. The coach has been trying to establish his own philosophy, put some new things to the team and we have been trying to assimilate them. We are getting there. I wish to thank the fans for supporting us, they were wonderful”.