Jasikevičius did not like the nervous atomic nucleus: it is not possible to end the match this way

The Catalans, who had an advantage of 19 points in the third quarter, recovered the defeat by 16:31 in the last quarter of the game. And although the final siren registered the victory of Barcelona 85:81, the return of intrigue and tension significantly damaged Š’s spirits. For Jasikevičius.

“We have beaten a very good and serious team. We showed very good quality basketball for three quarters, but, as happens too often, we relaxed too early and in the end the situation was really dangerous: a Lithuanian shook his head after the game. – I told my players that these things cannot happen again, relaxation at the end of the game can be very expensive. Basically, with confident leadership, we trust and should end the meeting. Unfortunately, this could not be done. “

Soon the Lithuanian summed up: “I don’t think our level team has the right to lose the fourth quarter by 15 points, especially when they play at home.”

This was the fifth consecutive victory in the Barcelona Euroleague. Š. Jasikevičius was delighted that Brandonas Daviesas and Nikola Mirotičius, who had not played for a while, were successfully integrated into the team, this time with 18 and 14 points respectively.

“I would like to point out that both have returned to the team at a very mature stage, fully aware that there is no need to destroy the current dynamic. These are top-level players who will help us more than once in difficult moments.

However, I will also say that a lot of responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of Cory Higgins and Nick Calathes lately, but both basketball players are doing well. I’m really satisfied, “said Š. Jasikevičius.

The own N. Calathes did not suppose the end enough tense of the party with the Zenit.

“Leading with a solid advantage, we felt too comfortable, so the competitors caught up with us. They are really capable. But victory is victory, although the advantage could have been greater. Efforts must be made to extend the successful series and improve. the game, ”said the Greek.

For his part, Xen Pascualis, Catalan coach of Zenit, was pleased that his team was able to demonstrate the character of the fighter in a difficult moment.

“We resisted until the last second, we had opportunities to do something else. It is true that the rivals were really better, congratulating them. However, I must be glad that we did not lay down our arms early, we remained calm and patient. In any case, this time we did not play so effectively as to have achieved the final victory, ”Š said. X. Pascualis coached Jasikevičius in the Barcelona team.

Notably, although the Catalans won the match by just 4 points, they outscored the guests 102-81 in terms of overall efficiency.

We remind you that in the first round match in Saint Petersburg, Zenit showed their advantage with exactly the same points: 74:40. At that time, Š had to miss the match due to the coronavirus. Jasikevičius, the team was temporarily led by Tomas Masiulis.

Barcelona ranks first in the Euroleague standings. So far, Zenit basketball players also remain among the top four teams.