By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
After winning a thriller in Milan, Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens can still hope for the home-court advantage. Xavi Pascual and Simone Pianigiani commented on their respective teams and the way the game unfolded.
Panathinaikos‘ coach stated that his team played unacceptable in the first half: “In the first twenty minutes we did not play defense at all, I think it’s unacceptable. This is why Milano played better than us. In the second half, the game was different. We played better on offense and defense, found open shots and converted. It was a game that both teams had the chance of winning in the final minutes. In the end, we found the way to win. We have to learn from our mistakes and be ready for the playoffs.”
Coach Simone Piangiani was happy with his team’s performance, given the circumstances: “My players tonight played a great game. Physically we are at a difficult moment, being without Jordan Theodore. We played with a different lineup. Everyone tried, and we played an excellent game. It was normal that Panathinaikos came back, but in the crucial moments in regulation, we missed three lay-ups, open shots from the corner etc. But this is the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. At the end all my players were tired, and in overtime, we missed some opportunities to feed Gudaitis. Honestly, if I consider the level of the performance, playing against a team with full strength getting ready for the playoffs, I have to say that my players played excellent and we can see their work in being better.”
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