Written on 30 October 2023. Posted in Games.

First defeat for the Basket League

Olympiacos played way below from their usual standards and lost, in a packed SEF, to Panathinaikos 54-66, for the 4^th day of the Basket League.

Physical defensive plays and bad shooting were the main characteristics of the first quarter, with the ‘red & whites’ having a slight lead upon its conclusion (12-11). The co-existence of Nigel Williams-Goss and Nikola Milutinov on the floor changed the status. Olympiacos continued the pressure and with Goss and Milutinov in a leading role, succeeded in getting a +7 margin (25-18) at 16’. However, missed free throws, defensive gaps and a needless foul by Milutinov on Mitoglou at the buzzer of the first half, allowed Panathinaikos to close in to 3p. (31-28).

Bartzokas’ players continued relying on their defense, but they were ‘betrayed’ by their terrible percentages, even from the free throw line. On the contrary, when Panathinaikos found target from the perimeter, they succeeded in getting ahead even with 5p. (40-45) at 29’. Taking advantage of the terrible operating of our team when in offense, the guests maintained the lead (50-56 at 36’). Olympiacos tried to get back in the game, but continued being frustratingly off target, especially from the free throw line. On the contrary, Panathinaikos found solutions in the paint and increased the margin even further (54-66).