Dusan Ivkovic: “We made a comeback with our defense in the third quarter...”

Defeating Beşiktaş Sompo Japan 79-72 at the 21st week match of Spor Toto Basketball League, Anadolu Efes coach Dusan Ivkovic stated his thoughts at the post-game press conference:

“I was expecting my team to keep the game under better control. It was a big match with intense emotions. The referees failed to keep the game under control. We had a poor start into the game. Compared to our last two wins against Pınar Karşıyaka and Darüşşafaka Doğuş, we didn’t start the game as well as I would have liked. We made a comeback with our solid, fighting defense in the third quarter. We only allowed 10 points to the opponent during that quarter. We were also good to begin the final quarter. We deserved to win this match. Right now, we have to start preparing for our Euroleague match against Cedevita Zagreb...”

Anadolu Efes’s Birkan Batuk also stated his thoughts: “First of all, I would like to express my condolences to our country. After these kind of incidents, we don’t feel like enjoying our wins. As to the match, we were not able to start the game as we desired. In the second half, though, we were very solid on defense. Even though we managed to pull up by 6 or 7 points, our opponent managed to come back due to our turnovers. Towards the end of the match, we managed to play good basketball with our experience, hitting uncontested shots. It was an important win for us after the match against Darüşşafaka Doğuş. Right now, we will start concentrating for our Euroleague match against Cedevita Zagreb. It is still possible for us to manage our way out of the group. I hope we will win this crucial match and sustain our chances...”

Tags:
  • Dusan Ivkovic
  • Beşiktaş Sompo Japan