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Strawberry: We have to knock them out of their attacking rhythm

Last season at the Final Four, the Greeks limited CSKA to 68 points. They will try to do the same again because they don't stand a chance in a 'game for an extra point'. However, Olympiacos' defense does not seem as powerful as it did in previous seasons, which definitely has something to do with Sloukas' departure and Young's injury

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We have a clash of two different basketball styles at the Moscow Megasport Arena tonight. Two Greek coaches, but still so different. Everything that CSKA represents, Olympiacos are pretty much doing the complete opposite. And that is definitely a reason to watch these 40 minutes. As is the fact that the Russians are at 4-2, the Greeks at 3-3, and that the group is so open and even that it is impossible to predict who will advance to the quarter-final.

- You definitely need confidence and courage to play these games. But I think we have enough of both, as well as talent in our players - said coach Itoudis. 

- I am still expecting a difficult match, and in this group it is extremely important to defend home court. 

CSKA's home record for now is 3-0, and they scored over 90 points in all three home games. They are awaiting the Greeks after they demolished Khimki in the VTB League, with slightly better than average performances by Teodosic and De Colo. And that says a lot about Itoudis' roster. Hrjapa, Freeland, Higgins and Fridzon, and improving and more reliable Kurbanov, they solved the problem of Rice and Sved. At this moment, CSKA are looking like the best European team, no dilemma. Fener are right next to them...

- We know Olympiacos are a tough team, defensively oriented, so I expect a tough game from the start. Coaches made a detailed game plan and we will focus on following that, and try to keep the pace high for all 40 minutes - said Nikita Kurbanov. 

The last time these two teams faced each other was at last season's Final Four, Olympiacos won 70-68. 

Olympiacos had a great start of this stage, but unexpected defeats to Brose and Zalgiris, and then in Madrid, have put them in a difficult position. Before last week's clash against Kimki, the pressure was great, and Oly were in a bad position mid-way through third quarter, they were down by double digits. However, defense did a great job in those moments and the Greeks ended up turning around the game relatively easily. 

They proved once again that they are not in fine form in this part of the season in a home game against PAOK on Monday. The team from Thessaloniki came without Vasiliadis and Schortsanitis, two key players, but thanks to back-court shots they were in the lead by 6 at the start of the final quarter. At the very end, Oly pressured the defense again and deservedly won, but with much more problems than expected. 

- It's positive that we won. The win is important, but out performance was unacceptable,. We were good offensively, but not defensively. We had a horrible free throw percentage (10/22) - said Sferopoulos. 

They are coming to Moscow with three straight wins, but with a lot of questions regarding their performances. CSKA seem much better right now and this will be a big test for Olympiacos. Ont thing is clear, they have to slow down the pace and now let CSKA play their game. They managed to do that in Madrid, but only in the first quarter and they ended up losing. 

- Yes, the game will be difficult. We are facing the best offense in the Top 16 and we have to focus on defense, do as we planned and neutralize their plays. Pace will be playing a huge role. We have to find their weak spots - said Sferopulous ahead of the game. 

The team from Moscow will have an additional motivation in last year's Final Four defeat in Madrid.  Olympiacos will be without Papanikolau today as well, he is eligible to play in the Euroleague starting next week. Except for him, less important Athineou and Agravanis are injured and will be absent, as they were against PAOK, and Tsairelis and Mouratos took their places on the roster. Of course, center young is out for the rest of the season. 

- Defense will be crucial. We have to be strong all 40 minutes and knock them out of their attacking rhythm. We have to fight and play like we did against Khimki - said Strawberry.