Written on 12 September 2021. Posted in Games.

«Neophytos Chandriotis»: Οlympiacos – Ζenit 88-65

In its first game for the international “Neophytos Chandriotis” tournament, Olympiacos made an impressive performance winning over Zenit St. Petersburg 88-65. The ‘reds’ will be playing against CSKA tomorrow (12/09, 19:15 CET).

Olympiacos made a sluggish start in the game and witnessed Zenit taking a +7 lead (3-10) at 4’. However, it only took them two minutes to turn the situation around… With good defense and very good shooting from the perimeter, they answered with a partial 11-2 and got to lead at 6’ for the first time (14-12).

The Russians regained the lead at 11’ (21-23), but the players of Giorgos Bartzokas once again relied heavily on their defense, moved the ball extraordinarily well and running a partial 14-2 sent the difference to +10 (35-25 at 15’). Since then, they maintained consistent control of the game and closed the first half leading 47-37.

Following the same recipe, good defense, good ball movement and shooting on target from the perimeter, Olympiacos increased the difference even further (+19, 66-47 at 29’). The outlook remained the same into the 4^th quarter… The ‘reds’ dominated under the rim as well as away from the post (86-61 at 39’) and got a comfortable 88-65 win.

"We still have a lot to improve"

Giorgos Bartzokas commented on the game: “I’m satisfied in general terms. To play well, you need to have good cooperation. We controlled most of the game. However, it’s a huge trap to feel complacent after one good game. There are still a lot we need to improve. We need to get better in every game”.