Olympiacos (12-11) will attempt to strengthen its position in the playoff chances with a visit from an increasingly dangerous ALBA (5-18), which has won two of its last three games.
Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos: 'It’s going to be a tough one but we must win it'
Seasons
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 24 of 34
Regular Season
Olympiacos PiraeusOLY
10187
ALBA BerlinBER
Overview
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The German team suffered a heavy defeat, 67-94, when the teams met in Round 17, with the Reds inspired by 23 points from Alec Peters on 9-of-11 field goal shooting plus 9 assists from Thomas Walkup. ALBA’s victory last week over Zvezda came via a season-high 19 points from Matt Thomas, while Yanni Wetzell also maintained his good form with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Olympiacos has lost three of its last four games, all on the road, and needs to keep Peace and Friendship Stadium a fortress after winning its last three in Piraeus.
Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos head coach
"I have big respect for ALBA and their coach. They always play at the same pace, especially at home. ALBA is always a difficult opponent for Olympiacos. They have a certain game based on high tempo, that they execute offensively and defensively. We must be very focused and very specific in the way we will play on offense. We must control the rebounds, offensively and defensively and try not to make bad choices on offense, because if we do, they will have the opportunity to ‘hit’ on transition. It’s not going to be an easy game. It’s going to be a tough one but we must win it."
Israel Gonzalez, ALBA head coach
"Olympiacos is a great team. Especially they are very good offensevly as the best team passing and sharing the ball. Also defensive rebound will be very important for us."
Kostas Papanikolaou, Olympiacos player
"ALBA beat Barcelona and Crvena Zvezda in the last few matches. Two teams, one in the high places of the league and the other is very competitive. So that in itself says something. As the EuroLeague is structured, especially this year, you cannot underestimate anyone, because you will find yourself on the bad side and we don’t want that. We have no room to be relaxed and take anything for granted. As I said, we are entering the final stretch and we must claim victory in every game."
Matt Thomas, ALBA player
"Olympiacos is an experienced team and very well-coached. We expect a tough game. I’m looking forward to playing in the great atmosphere they have in Piraeus."