By Drazen Kanazir/ info@eurohoops.net
BELGRADE – Dimitris Itoudis believes that the defensive presence of his players wasn’t on a high level and also the lack of creativity in the offense hurt his team in the semifinal game against Real Madrid at the Final Four of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague.
“Congrats to Real Madrid they deserved to win. We opened the game very decisive and we controlled the first quarter. In the second quarter, we weren’t present we gave up 17 points in four minutes. We knew they will come out and play like this. This combined with the third quarter where we didn’t give up so many points, but we looked bad because of the creation and their good defense”, started the Greek coach.
Sergio Llull was out for the biggest part of the season, but he showed all his quality in the semifinal. Itoudis was asked if absent of Llull during the regular season made it harder to prepare tonight’s game.
“We knew what to expect. We didn’t play any match-up zones or nothing special, but Llull made some very difficult shots“., replied CSKA’s coach.
Nando De Colo and Kyle Hines were sidelined for some time before the Final Four duo the injury, but Itoudis didn’t want to use that as an excuse.
“I don’t want to talk about that kind of excuses. Yes, Nando De Colo and Kyle Hines were out of the rhythm and played only one game before the Final Four. They perhaps weren’t on top of their play but it’s not only about them played a good overall game.”, concluded Itoudis.