By Cesare Milanti/ info@eurohoops.net
In a thrilling and balanced encounter until the end, Olympiacos got the 85-83 on-the-road victory against Virtus Bologna, surviving the hosts’ comeback in the fourth quarter.
Despite having some stomach problems, Sasha Vezenkov started for the red-and-white team and got his fifth double-double of the season with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Shaquille McKissic and Kostas Papanikolaou were also impressive on the offensive end, respectively scoring 21 and 17 points while combining for 10 rebounds.
“It was a fantastic EuroLeague game full of tension and intensity. Both teams fought under difficult circumstances. We missed Sloukas today, and Sasha Vezenkov was sick but he played a lot. I considered this victory one of the most important of the season, they fought until the end”, Georgios Bartzokas said in the post-game press conference.
Milos Teodosic was once again the heart and soul of the black-and-white team, as he ended the game with 21 points, 4 assists, and 5/10 from three. However, he also recorded 7 turnovers and got fouled out with 00:19 left after receiving two technicals.
Tornike Shengelia produced a solid performance with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Semi Ojeleye added 13 points, while Ismael Bako had a consistent game off the bench with 8 points and 5 rebounds.
“Nothing to take away from their win. We are very very proud, we made it to the last shot. We went down, fought, bounced back, and showed character. Coaches and players make mistakes. Especially at the last minute, I don’t remember such a series of mistakes, and I’m quite old. I’m flipping. But referees also do mistakes”, Sergio Scariolo said after the loss and elaborated even further on the issue.
Despite sharing almost the same amount of assists (Virtus 21, Oly 19), Virtus Bologna had basically twice the turnovers (14 vs 8) of Olympiacos.
The Greek team started the game on a high note, but Virtus got the lead with four minutes left in the fourth quarter. Olympiacos bounced back and got the five points lead after Milos Teodosic was given a technical foul following a very questionable call on Semi Ojeleye.
Sergio Scariolo didn’t have Nico Mannion, who suffered a bruised shoulder in Round 17, and Awudu Abass, who has been out long-term with a knee injury.
Kostas Sloukas also suffered from stomach pains, and the former couldn’t spend a minute on the court against Virtus.
In Round 20, Virtus Bologna (8-11) will host a Greek team again in Panathinaikos on January 19 at 20:30 CET. On the following day at 20:00 CET, Olympiacos (12-7) will play at home against Real Madrid.