Olympiacos loses to Crvena Zvezda after a disappointing performance

Olympiacos suffered a disappointing 57-62 defeat to Crvena Zvezda after an inconsistent performance, struggling for 25 minutes and seeing their record drop to 7-3.

Sasha Vezenkov once again stood out for the 'Red & Whites', scoring 27 points. However, Olympiacos endured a nightmarish shooting night from beyond the arc, making just 5 of 36 threes attempted, while also recording a poor assist-to-turnover ratio of 9-13.

Giorgos Bartzokas started the game with Codi Miller-McIntyre, Evan Fournier, Tyson Ward, Sasha Vezenkov and Nikola Milutinov. Despite falling behind 0-4 early on, Olympiacos took the lead at 7-6, thanks to 7 points from Vezenkov.

However, the Greek side struggled offensively, and Crvena Zvezda responded with a devastating 13-0 run to open up a 19-7 advantage, with just 1:40'' remaining in the first quarter. Ndiaye finally broke Olympiacos' scoring drought with a basket and a foul, becoming the second player to get on the scoreboard for the hosts.

At the beginning of the second quarter, Olympiacos tightened up defensively and cut the deficit to 4 (20-24) with a basket from Vezenkov. Nevertheless, consecutive turnovers and continued shooting struggles proved costly.

The remainder of the first half was particularly disappointing for the home side. Leading 28-22 with 3:09'' left before the break, Crvena Zvezda went on a 12-0 run, sending Olympiacos into halftime trailing by 18 (22-40). Our team had managed just 1/16 from the 3-point range and 3/8 from the free-throw line.

Olympiacos' poor performance continued at the start of the second half. The reigning European champions were missing not only from beyond the arc but also from close range, looking nothing like their usual selves.

The turning point came when Evan Fournier finally connected from three-point range, igniting the SUNEL Arena and giving Bartzokas' team a much-needed boost. The Frenchman followed it up with another successful shot, before Ward and Vezenkov also joined the scoring effort.

Olympiacos launched their comeback, cutting the deficit to as little as 9 (39-48) before ending the third quarter down 41-51.

Despite their extraordinary struggles from afar, the 'Red &Whites' continued to fight, relying on their defensive effort and an impressive performance from John Konchar to try to complete another comeback.

Vezenkov was once again outstanding. His three-pointer with only 3' on the clock, brought his tally to 27 points and cut the deficit to four (53-57). Remarkably, the EuroLeague MVP had scored more points at that stage than all his teammates combined.

A Fournier layup brought Olympiacos within just two points (55-57), raising hopes of a dramatic turnaround. However, Crvena Zvezda executed on their crucial possessions down the stretch, holding on to secure a 62-57 victory.

The quarters: 11-19, 22-40, 41-51, 57-62.