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Basks come to Cyprus decimated

Even though PAO don't play in Athens, but Cyprus, the atmosphere will be much as heated, because numerous fans are expected. The defense will be Panathinaikos' main strength, while the guests are troubled with injuries and bad playing

After two consecutive defeats, which is definitely not Panathinaikos' custom, Athens started the alarm. Coach Pedoulakis pointed out that there are players in the team who are not physically ready yet, and that the injuries and the European championship have set them back. So he started a hell week of practices, and Panelefsiniakos paid the price, getting crushed 74-35 by PAO. The result is almost surreal, but it's a result of Panathinaikos' maximum orientation to the defense, which is their biggest asset.

- This was a real game, and we took it very seriously. I had an opportunity to give minutes to the players who need to come back to the competitive rhythm, and I'm satisfied with how everyone reacted - Pedoulakis said after the game.

That's all that needed to be said about the match, because everyone turned to the Euroleague match against Laboral Kutxa. PAO will be playing against them on Cyprus, because they can't play in their own arena anymore as a part of the punishment. Regardless, they expect a big support by the fans, because PAO have fans no matter where they play:

- I don't think playing at Cyprus will affect our game. We do mind travelling a lot a bit, but it's something we're used to.

As for the game, coach Pedoulakis knows what he's against:

- We play against a team that love to run a lot, like any team from Spain. We have to improve our individual and team defense. All of he players are coming back to the team, getting the rhythm we want them to have, and that is most true for Ukic, he's really important for us.

Pedoulakis also commented on the journalist's question, who noticed that the Spaniards have a lot of problems with their defense at the beginning of the season:

- It's not only their problem, everyone has it like that at the beginning of the season. Teams aren't used to playing together yet, and everyone makes a lot of mistakes. I think they have the quality to play a very good defense, and I won't be wasting time on that. 

The miserable Laboral Kutxa lead by Scariolo lose whatever they can, and concede 100 points from anyone who can do it, and they're out of luck, too. The question is, how will they look on Cyprus without their two best defense players. Fernando San Emeterio and Thomas Kelati are out for Scariolo because of the injury, and Lithuanian veteran Rimantas Kaukenas was quickly signed on, and he'll be playing today already. 

San Emeterio injured his arm, but it's not as serious as Kelati's leg injury. He'll have a three week break, and that's why Kaukenas got a one month contract. Leo Mainoldi and Adam Hanga are missing from before, and the unprepared Hamilton and Jelinek started the road for Cyprus.

- Hamilton is going with us, but he's questionable, we don't know how he'll feel tomorrow before the game - Scariolo said before they left Spain.

- Panathinaikos have a wide roster, and they'll have the home court advantage. We have to prepared to overcome that obstacle, and demand a lot from ourselves. The key will be to keep the intensity throughout the whole game - the Italian expert claims.

- We've seen we can deal with big teams when we played against Maccabi. We have to have that mental set through all the 40 minutes against Panathinaikos, and not have that many oscillations. It will be really hard because they're playing after a defeat, and they have to win - shooter Fabien Causeur says.

Milano played a tragical defense in some moments last year, when Scariolo lead them. Laboral play tragically all the time now. It's hard to explain their game against Real last weekend, and it's a huge riddle how they will match the tough and aggressive game Pedoulakis seeks from his players. Laboral, as they are now, can hardly deal with it. Without Kelati and San Emeterio it's even more true. They're two wing players, and since Hanga is out, Scariolo has to manage without all three wings. Nocioni could get some minutes on the three position, maybe some of the back players, Kauekans or Jelinek, but it can hardly look good. 

The season has just begun, and Scariolov's Laboral look like a crashed army. PAO lost against Rytas so they will be especially hyped, like they were in the league round after that defeat, where they left Panelefsiniakos on incredible 35 points. Laboral have lost against Real with 33 difference, and in such a match barely scored 72 points. Today they will be without some very important players such as Kelati, San Emeterio, and possibly without Hamilton. Since earlier they're missing Hanga and Mainoldi. They will hardly be able to do anything in a shape like this, and they can't score more than 70 points against the defensive Greeks. The offer is available at Marathon, Bwin, SportingBet...