Dusan Ivkovic: We Will Work Hard
26.04.2003
Dusan Ivkovic, PBC CSKA Head Coach: «Today CSKA turned it one of its worst games of the season. I would like to congratulate our opponents. Tonight Khimki was better.»
Dusan Ivkovic, PBC CSKA Head Coach:
Today CSKA turned it one of its worst games of the season. I would like to congratulate our opponents. Tonight Khimki was better. I should note that the psychological approach to a playoff game is quite different from that in the regular season. This was shown once again today. My team lost their concentration. After winning the first half, I thought that they would add to the lead, but they lost
control of the game. Khimki completely shut us down on defense and grabbed 20 offensive rebounds. That allowed them to take advantage of putbacks. The game was difficult to control. Our opponents shot 51 foul shots. We let them score easy fastbreak and delayed-break baskets. Especially in the third quarter. This first home loss should teach us a lot. We have character and excellent players. And
tomorrow, on Easter, we are going to work. We have to be
professionals. And I wish you all a happy holiday.
Sergei Yelevich, BK Khimki Head Coach:
To be honest, even during yesterday's game I feld that we could beat CSKA. I am speaking seriously. Of course, the Army team is going to make adjustments after the loss. And I hope that they play well in the Final Four. But they should think. There are teams that can crack down on defense and stop them. Without a doubt, CSKA is a great team. I respect the opponent very much. But today we beat CSKA in the tactical aspect of the game. We did everything that the Army team didn't expect from us. But there is no euphoria yet. I just went in the locker room and told the guys: 'We won the game, but there are still games ahead. Forget about today's game and move on.
Today CSKA turned it one of its worst games of the season. I would like to congratulate our opponents. Tonight Khimki was better. I should note that the psychological approach to a playoff game is quite different from that in the regular season. This was shown once again today. My team lost their concentration. After winning the first half, I thought that they would add to the lead, but they lost
control of the game. Khimki completely shut us down on defense and grabbed 20 offensive rebounds. That allowed them to take advantage of putbacks. The game was difficult to control. Our opponents shot 51 foul shots. We let them score easy fastbreak and delayed-break baskets. Especially in the third quarter. This first home loss should teach us a lot. We have character and excellent players. And
tomorrow, on Easter, we are going to work. We have to be
professionals. And I wish you all a happy holiday.
Sergei Yelevich, BK Khimki Head Coach:
To be honest, even during yesterday's game I feld that we could beat CSKA. I am speaking seriously. Of course, the Army team is going to make adjustments after the loss. And I hope that they play well in the Final Four. But they should think. There are teams that can crack down on defense and stop them. Without a doubt, CSKA is a great team. I respect the opponent very much. But today we beat CSKA in the tactical aspect of the game. We did everything that the Army team didn't expect from us. But there is no euphoria yet. I just went in the locker room and told the guys: 'We won the game, but there are still games ahead. Forget about today's game and move on.
