'Shocking emotions': Olympiacos' presidents reveal in-game thoughts, comment on fans' support / News - Basketnews.com

Panagiotis and Giorgos Angelopoulos, Olympiacos' presidents and owners, talked about how they experienced their team's win over Monaco and the thoughts they made when the Reds were down by 12 at half-time.

Credit: Tolga Adanali/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Tolga Adanali/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Olympiacos Piraeus are back to EuroLeague title contention after six years following their 76-62 win over AS Monaco in the first Final Four semi-final game in Kaunas.

Player of the Game EFF 21 Kostas Papanikolaou Points 15 Accuracy 5-10 Rebounds 8 Assists 0

The club's presidents and co-owners, Panagiotis and Giorgos Angelopoulos, talked to the Greek media after the game, recounting the way they experienced their team's comeback from -12 (29-41). The two businessmen also referred to the nearly 5.000 Greek fans that have accompanied Giorgos Bartzokas' team to the Lithuanian city.

"We lived through the most shocking emotions," Giorgos Angelopoulos admitted.

"This has never happened in the history of world basketball. It's something magical, we're living in the moment. Let's go get the trophy."

Olympiacos' president said he and his brother were "very worried" during the first half of the game and explained why.

"The basketball that was played had a lot of contact. Olympiacos could cope. What happened in the third quarter is not clear. We believed in the team but obviously, there was concern," he confided to the press.

On the other hand, his brother Panagiotis revealed he was a little more composed, counting missed shots and every basket until 27-2.

"We played sensational defense, this quarter will go down in history. It's a EuroLeague semi-final and our team played that type of basketball. You got to have a soul, a coach and people on your side to help you get out of the hole," he emphasized.

"We have nothing to prove," Giorgos Angelopoulos stressed.

"Olympiacos have had an unprecedented year this year. The whole of Europe is cheering us on. I hope we can make it on Sunday. "

Expanding on his game analysis, Panagiotis Angelopoulos conceded he was worried because he watched "Monaco play harder than they've played all season."

Points this season

50%82,9Points made:82,9Accuracy:50,1%Place in standings:6Record max:117Record min:60Best scorer:Aleksandr VezenkovTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

'In the first half, they took us out of our game. The two fouls from our main guards (Thomas Walkup, Isaiah Canaan) got us off the pace. At this level, the 27-2 run is historic. It shows the character and soul of the team."

Referring to the fans, Giorgos said that they've come to Kaunas from everywhere.

"It's touching to have so many people come here. He fills the entire team with responsibility," he commented.

"Kaunas is not an easy destination, but still, we have 5.000 fans," Panagiotis concurred.

"It's shocking and they deserve to enjoy the trophy."

Asked about who he'd like to win the second semi-final, contested by Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, he responded it doesn't make any difference to him.

"I have no preference. It's one of the best feelings to be able to see the second semi-final as a winner."

"This team plays its second semi-final in two years. This year we came back from -12 at halftime. They have experience and chemistry," Giorgos Angelopoulos noted.

"Only three foreign players have changed since last year. There's consistency. Whoever comes in the final, we'll find motivation," he promised. "Don't worry about that."

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