Reds cause Power outage at Peace
Olympiakos?s tight defense allowed the Reds to beat Power Electronics Valencia on February 2 with a 77-62 score for their second win in three games in the second stage of the Euroleague.
The result means that Olympiakos has taken a clear lead in the race for the group’s second spot, which leads to the competition’s quarterfinals, while still maintaining some hope of beating Fenerbahce Ulker to the top spot.
Coach Dusan Ivkovic?s team dominated the game at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, forcing Valencia to commit 21 errors, compared to just 10 by Olympiakos.
Led by Thodoris Papaloukas (eight points and nine assists) and Radoslav Nesterovic (17 points), Olympiakos swept Valencia with carefully planned attacks and an asphyxiating defense that let in just 62 points.
“We played some good defense, with pressure particularly on their guards,» commented a satisfied Ivkovic after the game. «This was a very good performance against a team that [usually] never stops controlling the game with its high tempo.»
Papaloukas registered three steals on the night, taking his Euroleague total to an unparalleled 302. Nevertheless, Dimitris Diamantidis of Panathinaikos is hot on his heels with 262.
