Inspired Papanikolaou, Olympiacos put CSKA to the sword
EUROLEAGUE REGULAR SEASON - ROUND 24
Producing a performance full of power and purpose, Olympiacos claimed an impressive 72-59 victory against CSKA Moscow at home in the EuroLeague regular season.
Watch LIVE GREEK TV including full GREEK SPORTS coverage from AGONASport.com!
The playoff dream lives on. On Tuesday, Olympiacos had suffered a damaging loss in Kaunas, however they responded with a intense, purposeful showing against CSKA Moscow, defeating the reigning EuroLeague champions by 13 points at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Piraeus. CSKA, coached by Dimitris Itoudis, have now conceded two defeats on the bounce in the competition.
Possessing a 10-14 record, Olympiacos sit in 11th place of the standings, while CSKA are fourth with 16 wins and eight defeats. The top eight teams will advance to the playoffs.
It’s worth noting that Olympiacos had also beaten CSKA on the road earlier in the campaign.
Playing superb basketball, Kostas Papanikolaou enjoyed a night to remember for Olympiacos, tallying 19 points, seven rebounds, five steals, three assists and three blocks.
Nikola Milutinov achieved his first double-double since December with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Former Panathinaikos star Mike James registered 20 points for CSKA.
In their next game, Giorgos Bartzokas’ troops will face ASVEL in Piraeus, while CSKA travel to Red Star Belgrade.
THE MATCH
Making a promising start, Olympiacos immediately let CSKA know of their intentions, claiming the first quarter 20-15.
However, CSKA conjured up a response in the second period, winning it by six points to earn a slender advantage.
The third quarter turned out to surely be the best of the entire campaign for Olympiacos.
All of a sudden, Olympiacos were dominating at both ends of the court, notably winning virtually all rebounds. In forcing CSKA to commit cheap fouls and sloppy mistakes, Olympiacos gained the momentum with the stadium rocking, and they were ruthless with their opportunities. Incredibly, CSKA only scored four points during the quarter, whereas Olympiacos registered 21.
In the fourth quarter, CSKA did save themselves from embarrassment, but Olympiacos comfortably saw out the game.
