By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Following CSKA Moscow‘s defeat against Baskonia in Game 2 of the playoffs series, coach Dimitris Itoudis focused on the key parts of the loss, while he also stressed the fact that his players are mentally prepared to face Game 3 and will have enough concentration to get the job done in Vitoria.
“If we get into the analysis, we gave up too easily at the beginning of the first quarter. This was the key. Huge difference with how we played in the second quarter. Of course, fatigue was a factor. I promise to the fans, that were incredible tonight, that we’re gonna give our whole self to either win the series there or bring the series back. We’re gonna look to our mirrors and talk a little bit”, said Itoudis.
The Greek coach also addressed the few fouls and free throws that were attempted by CSKA in Game 2 (11/13 overall). “I was hearing what their coach was saying and today he didn’t say anything about free throws. He didn’t mention it, as he did in the previous game. But, I’m saying, we gotta be tougher, I congratulate them.”
“Whoever is not decisive, whoever is not determined, whoever doesn’t show the right approach and isn’t mentally ready, I will say it, but I think everybody is. I have huge trust in my players on how they are going to approach this third game. Huge trust. We believe in us, especially when no one else does. Let’s have some haters, no problem“.
Velimir Perasovic also shared his thoughts at the post-game press conference and focused on the importance of beating CSKA on the road: “All pressure is on CSKA. They are a great favorite They are one of the greatest teams in Europe and they are in the Final Four for the last 10 years. It’s very hard to beat them in every game. We want to fight and do our best in Vitoria. We know they are great, especially in the offense.”