Mission failed in Istanbul
Olympiacos did not reach their usual standards and was defeated in Istanbul by Fenerbahce 80-94 for the 20th Euroleague round.
Under the impact of inaction of recent weeks, the ‘reds’ made a numb start in the game and were totally out of synch (10-7 at 6’). However, the presence of Kostas Sloukas and Giorgos Printezis in the floor later on, gave our team an offensive boost, and running a partial 10-1, closed the first quarter leading by 6 (11-17).
Terrible perimeter percentages though (1/9 up until 11’), combined with slow returns to defense and gaps in defensive cohesiveness, allowed the Turkish team to attack back and get ahead 20-19. Giorgos Printezis however stepped up, opening up ‘fire’ from the three point range and Olympiacos got to lead once again (24-28, at 24’).
The hosts replied with also with threes and regained the lead at 18’ (36-32), with Olympiacos’ coach, Giorgos Bartzokas having been ejected only seconds earlier following back to back technicals.
Nevertheless, the ‘reds’ managed to rebound… They put pressure in the back court and with Kostas Papanikolaou leading the offense (he had also been excellent with his defense throughout the game), closed the first half at +3 (36-39).
In the second half and up to 26’ the game resembled a three-point contest, with the home team marginally winning it (53-52). But then, taking advantage of continuous unforced turnovers by the ‘reds’, they built a +7 margin (66-59) by 30’.
They dominated the 4th quarter completely… The ‘reds’ practically collapsed, allowing the hosts to send the margin skyrocketing at +19 (84-65). The collaborations between Sloukas and Martin offered the ‘reds’ a few solutions, but the situation had already been rendered unreversable.
- Shaquielle McKissic got injured (a knee bump in his forceps) at 13’ and was not able to continue in the game.
The quarters: 11-17, 36-39, 66-59, 94-80.
