A great performance against Armani
Οlympiacos was impressive against Armani Jeans Milan and beat thme 81-58 hence reaching two victories for the TOP-16.
The 'reds' with a great defensive game in the first three minutes kpet the Italian team at 3 points. However, Armani Jeans came back and led 13-18.
In the second quarter, the entrance of Sloukas in combination to the improved performances of Petway, Lojeski and Lafayette, gave the Piraeus team the right to turn the situation in its favor and lead 39-35 at the end of the first half.
In the third quarter, the team of Giannis Sfairopoulos kept Armani from scoring more than tean points. The difference was up to two digit levels (56-44). In the last quarter, Olympiacos made a display of power and the difference was to +30 with the final score being 81-58 for the home team.
The quarters: 13-18, 39-35, 56-44, 81-58.
Οlympiacos (Sfairopoulos): Petway 13 (2), Hunter 4, Danston 5, Spanoulis 9, Sloukas 9 (6as), Printezis 12 (1 3p., 6reb), Mantzaris, Kavvadas 1, Katsivelis 3 (1), Lafayette13 (4), Darden, Lojeski 12 (1).
Armani Jeans Milan (Banchi): Ragland 6 (1), Brooks 7, Gentile 12 (1), Cerella, Melli 6 (2), Kleiza 4, James 3, Hackett 5, Samuels 9, Moss 6.
GIANNIS SFAIROPOULOS: “It is the second consecutive and very important victory in the Top 16. Armani is a tough team with specific abilities that allow them to beat any opponent. In the first half we played good defense, but we didn’t have good ball movement, the rhythm we want to play all games and the right reading of the situations. We opened the tempo in the second half and we played exactly the way I want to. The second half was really outstanding, but now it is over. We enjoy tonight this victory and we are looking forward to playing the next game."
LUCA BANCHI: «We played against one the best defensive teams in Europe and although we played good in the first quarter, especially under the boards, we didn’t keep playing that aggressive. Olympiacos took advantage of its inside game and we used a zone defense which helped us to cut the margin to 7 points. Then we made some turnovers and the game was over very early. Tonight we realized that you have to keep concentration and dedication for 40 minutes. "