By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
Sofoklis Schortsanitis, the biggest offensive weapon of Panathinaikos was neutralized as a result of Olympiacos’ defense but mostly because of Kyle Hines’ quickness to cover spaces and play defense in front of him. The big guy of Greens started the season in Euroleague with 21 points per game (78% in free throws and 82% in 2ps) being the most dominant center so far.
Olympiacos’ coach Giorgos Bartzokas copied… Zeljko Obradovic – sending two, three and sometimes four players to Sofo – and the guy who did the best job was Kyle Hines who tried his best to keep Sofo to 6 points (1/3 2ps, 4/6 ft) in only 12 minutes.
After Olympiacos’ win in OAKA, Eurohoops talked with the American center who didn’t want to focus on his own game and commented on the meaning of the win: “It was a very good result in a derby and it will help us a lot. We wanted to come out, be better and we did it. Of course, we’ll have more confidence after this win. Without question this result will help us after our loss in Euroleague”.
What was the biggest difference in Olympiacos’ game between the heavy loss in Istanbul by Efes and the win in OAKA against Panathinaikos? “Defense made the difference. We played very well as a team and that was the key for the victory and the whole season”.
Although, Olympiacos must continue to be… alerted for the next Euroleague game against the undefeated Zalgiris and as Kyle Hines said: “This match will be totally different. Zalgiris won Caja Laboral the previous week and we expect a very tough game. They have started very well Euroleague and we must play very good as a team, because every game counts”.