Crvena zvezda basketball coach Janis Sferopoulos reflected on his team’s triumph in the first semifinal of the Serbian Basketball League. The Red and Whites defeated FMP with a score of 97-87, taking a 1-0 lead in the semifinal series. The team from Mali Kalemegdan, defending champions, will have the first match point on Monday to reach the competition final.

Sferopoulos admits that it was difficult to motivate the team after winning the ABA league.

„This is a semifinal match, we made it 1-0. I congratulate the players for their readiness. It wasn’t easy after the trophy we won a few days ago to be mentally prepared to play a tough game. FMP came to fight and cause us problems. There was a big difference at the beginning, but they managed to come back. In the second half, we played better both offensively and defensively, and I think we deserved to win,“ said the coach.

The Greek expert is aware that there were ups and downs in his team’s game.

„It’s not easy to maintain concentration, it’s difficult for the players to compete now after the ABA league finals. After a few days, they have to play at the highest level again, and that’s not easy. Based on percentages and our shooting, I think we had a very good game,“ Sferopoulos emphasized.

He revealed why Rokas Giedraitis was not in the lineup.

„He didn’t get rest, he had a minor knee problem, which he will overcome. It’s not a big problem,“ concluded Sferopoulos.

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