Mutual appreciation between Kormend and Keravnos following overtime showdown in Hungary

KORMEND (FIBA Europe Cup) - There was little one could do but show admiration for a well-fought game after the final buzzer proclaimed Egis Kormend 93-92 winners against Keravnos in an overtime thriller in Hungary.

That is exactly what the head coaches of both teams, Gasper Potocnik and Christophoros Livadiotis, did in the press conference following the stirring showdown in Group D between the two previously undefeated teams.

"I have not played against a team who plays defense the way they did tonight for a long time. They played in true Greek style. They are very talented and also very hard-working. I really like this way of playing."Kormend head coach Gasper Potocnik about KeravnosKormend head coach Gasper Potocnik about Keravnos

"It was a very tough game, but we knew it was going to be like this," said Kormend's man-in-charge Potocnik, who saw his side blow a 20-point lead, as their opponents fought their way back into the game.

"I have not played against a team who plays defense the way they did tonight for a long time. They played in true Greek style. They are very talented and also very hard-working. I really like this way of playing."

Having jumped out to 41-21 lead midway through the second period, the Hungarian side seemed to be well on their way to improving to a 3-0 record, but could not keep up the same level of play.

"We started the game really well, offensively and defensively. After that, we lost our rhythm. They were very smart in the inside-out game. They have really good big guys and this was a problem for us," the 36-year-old Slovenian playcaller stated after the game.

Having led throughout the first four quarters, the roles flipped in the extra period after Mohamed Abukar's buzzer-beating tip-in to tie the game at 79 extended the game into overtime. 

Trailing by as many as five points, it was Kormend's turn to show resilience. They did just that, sneaking away with a positive result, despite the late drama.

"Our guys did their best on the court and we had some luck in the end. Both teams could have won. Like I said, we did have some luck," Potocnik acknowledged. "Next time, I expect to keep our big advantage better."

Having taken a bold decision to foul intentionally with the score tied down the stretch in overtime, Keravnos strategist Livadiotis saluted both teams for the basketball spectacle.

"Congratulations to Kormend for winning this tough game and also their coach. They demonstrated really good results in the FIBA Europe Cup last year and they are performing well both in the domestic championship and the FIBA Europe Cup this season as well," acknowledged the 37-year-old, taking his hat off to what his similarly-aged counterpart has been able to accomplish in Hungary.

In spite of picking up a defeat, which saw them drop to a 2-1 mark, coach Livadiotis had some positive takeaways from their first defeat in the FIBA Europe Cup this season, particularly how his team reacted after a slow start.

"We started the game really badly and we couldn't adjust to this atmosphere in the first 10 minutes of the game. Despite the bad start, we did find the way to come back and showed character," said the coach, noting the role the home crowd played in the game.

"We won the third and fourth quarters, that's why we were able to come back, but we missed a lot of free-throws. 12 of them, to be precise. Had we made them, we could have won the game."

After maintaining their perfect record and advancing to 3-0 in Group D, Kormend will host BC Balkan at Kormend Arena, with the still-winless Bulgarian side suffering a heart-breaking 81-78 defeat in Belgium last week.

Keravnos, now 2-1, will have a chance to bounce back against Basic-Fit Brussels at home in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia.

FIBA