Dusko Ivanovic gives reasons that led to loss against Zalgiris / News - Basketnews.com

Dusko Ivanovic thinks that the first half was one of the biggest problems in a loss vs. Zalgiris.

Credit: Dainius Lukšta Credit Dainius Lukšta

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (10-10) didn't seize the opportunity to win the game and clinch a crucial win against Zalgiris Kaunas (12-8), but head coach Dusko Ivanovic believes the biggest problem of his team wasn't at the end.

Player of the Game EFF 17 Edgaras Ulanovas Points 13 Accuracy 4-9 Rebounds 5 Assists 6

With 4 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Crvena Zvezda had a 7-point lead. However, Zalgiris finished the game with a 14-2 run, with Edgaras Ulanovas scoring 9 of those points.

"Tonight we started very badly and soft and finished the also badly," Ivanovic began the post-game conference. "Between the beginning and the end, we played our defense, with patience on offense, and we had a result. However, in the last two minutes, we didn't have ideas on offense, we played nothing, and Ulanovas 3-pointers decided the game."

Yet, Ivanovic also believes that one of the biggest problems tonight was the first half. In the first two quarters, Crvena Zvezda made 10 turnovers. The Serbian powerhouse finished the game with 14 turnovers.

"Our big problem was the way we played the first 20 minutes. We didn't start the game a serious team should," Ivanovic said. "It's not a question of playing well or badly. You need to start the game strong with clear ideas. In the first 20 minutes, we didn't play. We had 10 easy turnovers, and it's not because Zalgiris played aggressively. We simply didn't play well."

Asked about those last couple of minutes, Crvena Zvezda head coach emphasized the lack of ideas on offense.

"Like I said, in the last 2 minutes, we played badly on offense without any ideas. Zalgiris changed the defensive system, and we only tried playing 1-on-1. We took some crazy shots, it's not the way to win," Ivanovic said.

On the bright side, Filip Petrusev once again had a terrific game. The 22-year-old accumulated 16 points (7/9 2PT, 0/1 3PT, 2/2 FT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 3 turnovers, and 17 PIR.

In the last 5 games, Petrusev averages 20.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.0 block, and 23.0 PIR.

However, Ivanovic didn't seem too pleased with his player at the end of the game.

"He played well, but who allowed Ulanovas to make those two 3-pointers at the end? Petrusev," Ivanovic concluded.

Support BasketNews so we could make even better content.