By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece beat Russia (80-65) in the preparation tournemant of Xanthi, Greece. It was a game that ended up being the best possible way for Greece to prepare against zone defences.
Even with just 2/15 threes, Greece had the game under control and build a respectable difference in the last quarter. The front line trio of Printezis, Koufos and Bourousis scored 46 points combined, while the back court duo of Spanoulis and Zisis added 11 points each.
Russia got a spectacular first half from Semen Antonov who had 22 points on 8/8 shots in the first half. Russia even got the lead in the 24th minute (42-41), but at the start of the last quarter Greece got a 63-54 lead and the game was over.