Home court breached
An ‘injured’ Olympiacos – played without Printezis, Papanikolaou and McKissic – did not succeed in protecting their home court from defeat. They lost to Red Star at the SEF 72-76, in the framework of the 23rd round of the Euroleague.
Back to back turnovers and bad decisions when attacking, allowed the guests to impose their rhythm from the start and build a +10 margin (10-20 at 7’). Kostas Sloukas getting into the game changed the status. Olympiacos moved the ball, went to good decisions in the offense and with a three by Sasha Vezenkov got to lead for the first time in the game (21-20 at 9’).
In the beginning of the 2nd quarter, the ‘reds’ were leading by 4 (26-22), but failed to control the game. Red Star struck in the post and regained the lead (33-37). Finally, with good defense and three point play by Kostas Sloukas (a bucket and a foul) our team closed in to one point (36-37 (at 20’).
The game outlook did not change into the second half. Olympiacos got ahead with another shot and a foul (this time by Larentzakis, 39-37), however, the Serbian team, relying on their very physical defense, attacked back and went ahead 42-50 (at 25’). The ‘reds’ replied with a lot of pressure when defending and succeeded inching the game at 29’ (52-53).
But still the guests were able to regain control, mainly taking advantage of our team’s hasty offensive choices (57-65 at 35’). Giorgos Bartzokas’ players though denied surrendering and once again came down to a one point game at 38’ (67-68).
However, they were not able to complete the upset… Red Star once again struck inside, took advantage of the lack of concentrations the ‘reds’ were exhibiting and got the victory.
The quarters: 21-22, 36-37, 52-56, 72-76.
