Dusan Ivkovic: “The team’s desire to win was crucial...”

Defeating Galatasaray 79-73 at the quarter finals of Royal Halı Turkish Cup to reach the semi finals, Anadolu Efes coach Dusan Ivkovic stated his thoughts at the post-game press conference:

“Playing single match elimination rounds in cups is never easy. It was a very good game today. We played two different halves. Our problem in the first half was excessive turnovers. 12 assists and 18 turnovers, as in this part of the match, is not sufficient for us to take control of the game. We also allowed too many free throws to the opponent. In the second half, we played better offense. This has been our third match in six days. We need to play fewer matches and work more, but our schedule is not suitable for this. We also came here after a very difficult trip. However, my players’ desire to win and the 14 offensive rebounds we grabbed were really important. I believe we deserved to win the game. The semi final game is tomorrow, and we have very little time. We have a lot to learn from this match. Tomorrow, it will be a very difficult match against Darüşşafaka...”

Anadolu Efes’s young talent Cedi Osman also stated his thoughts: “First of all, I would like to mention that we fought very well. We allowed too many points in the first half, but we recovered with better defense in the second half and won the match. Right now, we have to forget this match and concentrate on the semi final game against Darüşşafaka tomorrow. We always aim to become the champion. We want to secure a win in the semi final match to reach the finals, and win in the final to become the champion...”

Tags:
  • Galatasaray
  • Cedi Osman
  • Dusan Ivkovic