By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Joventut Badalona surprised Real Madrid at the start of the ACB semifinal series, but the defending champions responded and won Game 2 at their court.
Guerschon Yabusele dominated the match, but Joventut coach Carles Duran had a bone to pick with the referees after the defeat that tied the series to 1-1.
“We have been frustrated in the end with the officiating. It is clear that we still do not have the respect that Madrid does have. We are also playing in the ACB League semifinals, not just Madrid. I hope we can change that perception in our next match on Saturday,” Duran said at the press conference.
The complaints from La Penya’s coach focused on two players: Edy Tavares and Ante Tomic, who got sent off during Game 2 at the Wizink Center.
“Tomic’s thing was technical and unsportsmanlike, but there was an obvious foul before. We have not managed to have in these two parties the respect that they do have. We haven’t earned it, it seems. Tavares has 0 fouls in 80 minutes. I am angry because Tomic, who is very important to us, is leaving.”
The Catalan coach also had time to send a message to the press.
“I take a lot of positive things from Madrid, to begin with, that many of you didn’t think we could do it,” Duran concluded.