Jasikevicius speaks on heroic Oriola, Schiller’s firing from Zalgiris, and fans' importance / News - Basketnews.com

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

FC Barcelona (3-0) remain unbeaten in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after a thrilling game at Palau Blaugrana against Olympiacos Piraeus (79-78).

Player of the Game EFF 24 Nikola Mirotic Points 22 Accuracy 6-15 Rebounds 6 Assists 2

Head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius praised Barcelona's fans after the game.

"It was a big evening at Palau. We were talking about it in the locker room with the staff. They helped us a lot. We did not have a very good game, but with our schedule, it is impossible to play well every game".

The Lithuanian mastermind admitted he was expecting a similar game to one in Munich.

"Olympiacos are like Bayern. Really physical. They made great additions this summer. We did not play as in Germany, but we won, and this is the most important," said Jasikevicius.

In the end, Pierre Oriola was the hero, scoring two key free throws after a battle in the paint.

"I was upset with Oriola because he was not grabbing any offensive rebound... and he won the game with one. He has been working this morning on free throws. I knew he would score them. I'm happy for him."

Laprovittola had a huge impact on the second half, leading a good comeback for FC Barcelona.

"When Nico began to defend, he gave us extra energy. If you defend well and you have quality, you will play well on offense. And he is talented," said Sarunas about the Argentinian guard.

Jasikevicius was also asked about Martin Schiller's firing and gave a detailed answer about this Zalgiris Kaunas move.

"First of all, I feel sorry for a colleague who has lost his job," Jasikevicius said. "I know some things about it, but I can't talk. Maybe there have been some problems in the past, and the front office did not see a bright future. Who knows."

Points this season

42%75,7Points made:75,7Accuracy:42,2%Place in standings:9Record max:78Record min:74Best scorer:Aleksandr VezenkovTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"The only thing I did not like is that they made a radical change after what we have done there in the previous years. Zalgiris are used to choose outside the box. They are one of the most innovative teams in Europe that had no problems changing their philosophy," he added.

Meanwhile, Olympiacos head coach Georgios Bartzokas spoke about the physicality of the game.

"It was a tough game for 45 minutes, possession by possession. A lot of aggressiveness for both teams," said Bartzokas. "Unlucky for us, I think we lost the game due to two rebounds that we could not control. If we would have managed to control them, maybe we would have won."

Despite the loss, the Greek coach expressed his happiness with their players' effort during the game.

"I would like to congratulate my players. They play hard and follow the game plan against a really difficult team like Barcelona. We lost it, but we also deserved to win. Let's forget it and move onto the next one".

Olympiacos (2-1) has started the season winning against Baskonia and Real Madrid, forcing an extra time at Barcelona.

"I am satisfied with the team. It is not easy to play against Spanish teams. You need to be very focused on the rebound.

We are going to compete in every game and everywhere. Today I'm not happy. It's obvious, but we play with our hearts. Sometimes it is not enough, but this is the way," Bartzokas continued.

Thinking of the future, the former Barcelona's coach detailed how important emotions are in the EuroLeague.

"Sometimes, you learn more when you lose. Even in October, you play like in Playoffs. Whatever it happens, you need to be back on defense. Every possession is important. Generally, we can grow up game by game," he concluded.

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