Milicic: “We made several mistakes that gave our opponent rhythm.”

ARIS Betsson head coach Igor Milicic spoke after the away game against AEK:

“The first game of a series is always difficult, especially when you have been waiting 20 days for it. There were certainly moments where we showed that we could win the game. We made several mistakes, mainly in the first half, which gave our opponent rhythm. In the second half, we corrected some things and tried to find our rhythm.

We took several open three-point shots, without much pressure from the opponent, and missed them. That was certainly something we did not expect. However, we know what we can do in this series and we are not dropping our heads. We could have played a much better game than the one we showed today. The series is at 1-0 and we will fight hard in Thessaloniki to bring it back to Athens.”

On appearing frustrated shortly before the end of the game and whether that had to do with the officiating or with his team:

“There was tension at the end of the game. I would not like to be fined. You saw the game and the similar situations on both sides. We can play much better as a team and that is what we want. I hope we find our rhythm. Having such a long gap between playoff games is something that only happens in Greece. Everyone is facing the same situation, so let’s not be negative and let’s find ways to come back.”

On what happened shortly before the end regarding the substitution he wanted to make:

“We asked for a substitution, but the person responsible for making it delayed, so we were not allowed to make it. It was a clear mistake by the scorer’s table.”

On the similarity of the games his team has played against AEK, with all of them being decided in the final minutes:

“AEK has a very good team and a very good coach. I think that in the next game we can be more competitive and get the result we want.”