Vezenkov on bwinSPORT FM: “To reach our peak in May – When Shaq is good we don’t lose”

Performing an incredible second half on both ends of the floor, o Olympic came back from -14 and “silenced” the packed “Zalgirio Arena” with the 92-85 on her Zalgiris!

After the final, the top scorer of the match, Sasha Vezenkovspoke to his emissary bwinSPORT FM in Kaunas, Nico Zerva.

Initially, he referred to what the “red and white” changed in the half-time in order to make the turnaround in the second half, he emphasized that Olympiacos should set this pace.

He noted that the Piraeus must reach the peak of their performance in May, when the titles are judged, while Vezenkov defeated Shaquille McKissick in the final.

“It was a strange game, we know that Zalgiris is the best defense and the worst attack in the League. I don’t know if we let them feel comfortable, but they did what they wanted, we weren’t on the field defensively. We knew our issue is defense, we spoke at half-time and played the best defensive half of the year. We kept Francisco on the points where he was and we are happy to have 2/2 in the second round”he said initially, commenting on the different faces that Olympiacos had in the two halves.



On what Olympiacos changed in its defense: “We had a lot of tension on the ball, Thomas took over Francisco, we were more dynamic in the heads out. In basketball you have to take risks. The only black point was the defensive rebounds, since we will be able to finish the matches more easily. Finally good, all is well.”

For the second part image: “That’s how we have to come in, drive the tempo and drive the game. We have to learn from both halves, continue with wins and we don’t look at who is first or anything, we just work and move forward.”

As for what to expect from Olympiakos if he reaches his ceiling: “I hope in May we are at this level, we have guys who didn’t play today and they are amazing players. They are positive, they help us from the bench, they all played defense together. I hope we reach our peak when the titles are judged.”

For the catalyst McKissick and if he wants to say two words: “It’s very difficult what he does, if I see it with my own eyes, because he plays one game a week usually. He’s been here for five years, he’s bonded with everyone, he’s part of our family. Strangers come and go but he is here. When Shaq is good, we’ve never lost this year, we need him and we’re moving forward together.”