Kastritis: “My players are lions – Few can do what Toliopoulos does”

Despite being trailed by double digits for three periods by PAOKThe Mars pulled off an epic comeback in the fourth quarter and prevailed 76-74, advancing to the Cup semifinals.

After the match, Yannis Kastritis he praised his players for the sacrifice they made, while he talked about him Vasilis Toliopoulos and his ability to take the big shots.

In detail what he said:

“Today I feel the need for the umpteenth time but more than any other game to congratulate these guys. I really have no words. They are lions, no matter what happens from here on in the season. I hope we continue to enjoy every game, even the ones that don’t go well. It is a process that makes us better. The guys are lads, they give 100%. It was the fifth consecutive high energy game. The match did not start well for us, coming from consecutive victories one could say that we lacked motivation, but once again we turned the tables. The kids gave everything they had.

There are many games that we have won by numbers, but this reflects the identity of our team. We’re a family, loved ones, we want to play with pride and even when we don’t make it, we’ll come back stronger, the next play or the next possession. Many thanks to our world for supporting us here. I don’t know how feasible it is, but we have to recharge our batteries and be ready to face Panathinaikos, be ready to die on the floor and enjoy it.”

On Galinat’s absence: “Since the beginning of the season we have had two or three injured in the matches. It hurts us, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Without Galinat’s absence being any different, we are a team that relies on totality and energy. But we don’t complain, that’s the fabric of the team, we are there for each other and it has been proven that we always find the solution”.

For the appearance of Toliopoulos: “He’s one of the players we have for the big shots. This is very important for high level players to understand when it is time to take the big shots. Few players can do that. Harel has done it as well, as well as Bohorides. We are blessed because we have children to provide the solutions, but also because we have the group to bring the situation to claim the victory until the end”.