Pitino: “It was a disappointing loss”

The head coach of Panathinaikos OPAP stated after the end of the game against Real Madrid: "It was a disappointing loss, but give credit to them: they were bigger, faster, and shot the ball a lot better. In just about every phase of the game, they were better. We gave up 58 points from what we call paint touches, which is an incredible number, and we also gave up 18 [second-chance] shots. We were in control of our destiny in the first quarter, but not blocking out led to open three-point shots. This basketball team has to be great at the fundamentals to win, because we’re not a great shooting team except Jimmer Fredette. Unless we’re fundamentally better at rebounding, passing and defense, the other team is going to beat us. That’s something we did last year and we’ve got to start doing that again this year. We’re capable of boxing out, of not leaving our feet to make a pass. The answer is not acquiring other players – the answer is improving. It’s my job to make these players better and I intend on doing that."