Pistiolis Reflects on Thrilling Game Against UNICS, Prefers First Match Experience

The head coach of CSKA, **Andreas Pistiolis**, commented on his team’s performance in the second match of the semifinals of the United League playoffs against Kazan’s UNIKS. The army team secured a victory with a score of 95:87.

«This was one of our best home games in terms of atmosphere. The match itself was also different from the first one. We anticipated a reaction from our opponents, along with some tactical changes, and it was intriguing to see who would rise to the occasion.

Unfortunately, we started off the game with a lack of concentration, allowing them to score 28 points in the first quarter — that’s unacceptable for us. However, we began to play good team basketball, and in the second half, we largely controlled the game. I felt that we deserved the victory, and it wouldn’t slip away from us.

To be honest, as a Greek coach, I preferred our performance in the first game. In that match, we executed our defensive strategies clearly from start to finish. In terms of teamwork, I liked the first match more, yet today’s game was more visually appealing,» Pistiolis’ remarks were conveyed by Championship correspondent Rustam Imamov.