GRE - Impressed by Olympiacos wins, not personal stats

ATHENS (A1) - Olympiacos came up one victory short in their heavyweight title showdown against Panathinaikos last season, falling in a deciding fifth game at OAKA.

It's little wonder, then, that Greece national team center Yannis Bouroussis wasn't getting carried away after his 12-point, 15-rebound performance in Olympiacos' 76-66 triumph over P.A.O.K. on the opening weekend of the domestic campaign.

"I didn't have a clue about my stats during the game," said Bouroussis, who also blocked six shots.

"I don't care about numbers. I only want my team to win. We couldn't find our rhythm."

The game was a home contest for the Reds, but it didn't seem like it as none of the club's fans were allowed inside to watch.

That was the punishment meted out for the unruly scenes at OAKA, when Olympiacos fans were allowed to buy up 30% of the seats and watch.

Panathinaikos' fans were also banned from watching their team's opener against A.G.O.R. ALMECO.

"The empty gym doesn't help the players," Bouroussis said, before reminding everyone of what is most important to him and his teammates.

"Our goal is always the titles. But we need patience and time to come together."

In other games, Egaleo defeated A.E.K., 78-65, with Makis Nikolaidis scoring a sensational 23 points.

The Larissa derby saw Olympia fall at home A.E.L., 75-73.

Kolossos were beaten on their own floor, 78-73 by Panionios and Aris romped to an 85-67 triumph at A.E.P. Olympias.

Maroussi suffered a 75-65 home defeat to Panellinios and Panathinaikos, with Sarunas Jasikevicius in the Greens' line-up. defeated A.G.O.R. Almeco, 90-81.

Jeff Taylor
FIBA