Argyris Pedoulakis and Roko Leni Ukic spoke of the win versus Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania. The Croatian guard was named MVP to the clash, despite him feeling severe discomfort in his lower back and having been given a shot so as to be able to compete.
The Panathinaikos Head Coach, Argyris Pedoulakis, stated: “During the first half we committed defensive mistakes, which we remedied during the second. Returning to the floor we slowed down the game pace, which is a fountain from which the Zlagiris fans drive energy. Moreover, we did not commit all that many turnovers. In a set game we were the better opponent. It was a crucial game, in which we had the appropriate reactions. We had our big men in fouling trouble, an issue which troubled us. But in the end we had the necessary concentration to prevail. We knew that we would be able to win this game through the team and that is exactly what happened. After a long-long time we were all together in practice. What’s up next for us is our next encounter. It was a victory. We have not yet achieved anything though”. When asked about Roko Leni Ukic’ performance he stated: “We really tried to help him. Today he neutralized Popovic and exhibited a great frontcourt behavior. It is not easy for him to change his game at this age but we support him as he feels the pressure”.
The Croatian guard stated from his point of view: “Zalgiris is a great team. We performed well and got to an important win. We made some big shots and at the other end they had no answer to our defense. We deserved to win. It has been three nutty days for me, since I had no idea if I would be able to play or not due to the issues in my lower back. The medical staff did an exceptional job and Giannis Zigouris, the team physiotherapist who was here with us, really assisted me. I gave it my all because I really wanted for us to win”.
