Jasikevicius after tying the series: 'We have to fight to the death in Madrid' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix

FC Barcelona tied the ACB League final series in a thrilling game, which was decided in the last seconds. Nikola Mirotic led the Blaugranas with 26 points, 20 of them in the second half.

Player of the Game EFF 26 Nikola Mirotic Points 26 Accuracy 9-14 Rebounds 7 Assists 1

Sarunas Jasikevicius analyzed the game in the press conference, praising his players for the effort.

"We found our bench. They came in with great intensity, with Rokas making good decisions, Laprovittola playing a leading role, Kuric with efficiency, and Rolands playing hard... And then our leaders joined in. We found a lot of people tonight. Now, we have to go one step further."

Jasikevicius also mentioned the importance of the great atmosphere at Palau Blaugrana.

"As always, when things get tough, they are always there. They have a connection with this team and have helped us when we were struggling."

Mirotic was the key factor in the second half, scoring 20 of his 26 points, including four points in the last two minutes.

"Niko's [Mirotic] game showed that he is one of our leaders. He played a lot of minutes. He has suffered a lot. Now is the time for the great ones," said the Lithuanian mastermind about the EuroLeague regular-season MVP.

Regarding Game 3 in Madrid on Friday, FC Barcelona's head coach was clear.

"We have to fight to the death in Madrid. That's how it is. With blood if necessary. I know I'm using big words, but that's how it is. People are tired and physically harmed. Both teams.

The one, who has more courage, some cold-bloodedness in some moments, will survive. We have fought for ten months, now we have five or six days left. We have seen an incredible battle. In the first game we didn't know how to fight, today our attitude was totally different. Things can go better or worse, but the guys knew how to suffer."

After missing the first game, Sertac Sanli appeared in the second, playing 8 minutes. The Turkish center looked injured.

"Sanli? If you can walk, you have to play. Then you have three months to recover it," concluded Saras.

Highlights

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