For a record 10th time in a row, Olympiakos heads to the Euroleague Playoffs. The 86-75 win over Anadolu Efes lead by the Reds’ former coach Dusan Ivkovic was their ninth in twelve games keeping them in close distance of second place and a subsequent home advantage in the playoffs. Before tip off, Dusan Ivkovic, former Euroleague champion with the Piraeus club, received an award for his multiyear contribution. For the first three periods of the game the Turkish side was superior than the Greek one (17-16, 35-35, 53-57). Add Stratos Perperoglou’s phenomenal performance to the mix and it was obvious that Vasilis Spanoulis absence was going to be a costly one. It was not until 20-year-old Ioannis Papapetrou stepped up that the Reds were able to stare their opponents in the eyes and look for the win. He scored 12 points in the last quarter and with the help of Giorgos Printezis (15 points and 12 rebounds) and Oliver Lafayette (17 points) he took the Reds by the hand and lead them to a remarkable victory. Stratos Perperoglou’s huge 23 point game went straight down the drain, though he eventually walked out with a bittersweet taste as he was also awarded for his years of play for Olympiakos BC. The 2013 Euroleague Champions’ next task is in freezing Moscow against CSSKA the following Friday, a game which will determine which team will keep home advantage in the playoff round.
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