Sasha for the win!

With a three by the incredible Sasha Vezenkov only 5.6’’ before the buzzer, Olympiacos bested Kolossos in Rhodes 79-80 and retained his undefeated record with the Basket League!

Using their good three point percentages to their advantage, the hosts ‘built’ a 7p. lead (15-8). The ‘red & whites’ pushed back in defense and relying on Papanikolaou and Vezenkov in the offence, they got to get ahead for the first time at the end of the first quarter (22-23). They were never able though to get into rhythm… The Rhodes team regained the lead (34-29 at 15’), took advantage of the our team’s poor long range shooting and remained in the driver’s seat up until the end of the first half.

The hosts once again got to strike from the 6.75m. and increased their lead even more (+9, 46-37 at 21’). Olympiacos paid them back the same way with Sasha Vezenkov (55-54 at 28’), but wasn’t able to make a total come back and once again was found trailing by 3 (63-60) at 30’. With Tarik Black doing an excellent job under the rim, our team got a +4 advantage for the first time at 38’ (73-77), but Kolossos scored two back to back threes that gave them a two point lead (79-77 at 39’) turning the game into a top class derby. Missed shots from both sides follows, with Sasha Vezenkov ‘writing’ the final 79-80 from the three point line and our team playing superb defense on the last play Kolossos attempted.

• Just like in the game against Armani Milano, our team played wearing a black uniform today, in mourning of the victims of the tragic train wreck at Tempi.

• Shaquielle McKissic was not included in the 12men roster.

The quarters: 22-23, 38-34, 63-60, 79-80.