Strong defensive effort guides Olympiacos past Monaco in Game 1 / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

The sold-out Peace and Friendship Stadium delivered a real playoffs atmosphere in Wednesday's opener between two teams, who finished the regular season in fantastic form, winning eight of their last 10 games.

Olympiacos Piraeusmanaged to defend their home floor and extend their successful stretch, defeatingAS Monaco71-54(8-15, 25-11, 17-10, 21-18).

It was Monaco's scoring-low this season. The previous one was 65 points (vs Armani Exchange).

Thomas Walkup scored 9 consecutive points in the mid-third quarter, handing Olympiacos a record-breaking lead of 14 points (44-30).

Vezenkov and company finished what the American guard started, while Oly were up by the same 14 points (50-36) before the last 10 minutes of the game.

Even though Monaco came within 10 points at the start of the fourth quarter (44-54), Greek veterans Kostas Sloukas and Georgios Printezis drained a couple of threes in a row, and Olympiacos ran away from their opponents again (65-50) with 4 minutes to go.

The affair continued to be defensive-oriented, so the double-digit advantage was enough for convincing W.

Kostas Sloukas was a top performer for Olympiacos, posting 10 points (2/2 2PT, 2/6 3PT), 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 turnovers, and 15 PIR.

"I think our defense was really solid the whole game. [Thomas] Walkup did an excellent job, but as a team, we protected our basket. We didn't allow transitions or the two-point shots they are very strong at. They usually score a lot of shots inside the box. So, we did a great job," Georgios Bartzokas spoke post-game.

Mike James had 10 points (1/2 2PT, 2/7 3PT, 2/4 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 4 turnovers, and 14 PIR.

"First, we have to control our emotions. I think this game showed that you have to attack with a plan. We gave too many easy chances, on the other hand. We have to be smarter," commented Sasa Obradovic after the loss.

Despite scoring only 8 points and trailing by 7 after the first quarter (8-15), Olympiacos recovered in the second tally. Kostas Sloukas, Sasha Vezenkov, and Thomas Walkup initiated a 9-0 spurt and the Greek powerhouse was leading the way by 2 (17-15).

Shaquielle McKissic and Georgios Printezis took over the flag from their teammates, powering Oly for another push. This time the hosts spurted 14-2 and created a double-digit advantage (33-22). Dwayne Bacon, Donatas Motiejunas contributed with a couple of two-point baskets and Monaco were down by 7 points (26-33) at half-time.

Hassan Martin missed the game for Olympiacos. The American big man suffered a hematoma on the outer surface of the right thigh.

Olympiacos: Shaquielle McKissic 12, Georgios Printezis 12, Thomas Walkup 11, Kostas Sloukas 10 (6 AST), Sasha Vezenkov 10 (5 REB).

Monaco: Donta Hall 10 (4 REB), Mike James 10 (6 REB, 4 AST, 4 TO), Paris Lee 9 (4 AST).

Highlights

Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.