Fuente: © FIBA (Federación Internacional de Basket)
http://www.fiba.org/

FIBA: ESP - Martinez delighted with Tau triumph

/noticias.info/ VITORIA (Euroleague) - Tau Ceramica coach Pedro Martinez hailed his side's "fighting spirit" as they overcame an early scare to beat AEK Athens 77-62 in the Euroleague.

Trailing 21-6 after seven minutes of the match, Tau clawed their way back to within three points by half-time, before dominating the second half.

Almost inevitably, Luis Scola led from the front with 16 points, while Travis Hansen and Pedrag Drobnjak added 13 points each.

"It was a hard game for us, they hit their three-pointers in the first quarter and we were a little bit rushed," said coach Pedro Martinez.

"However, our fighting spirit and the support of the fans allowed us to get back into the game and to win," he said, before admitting he was unimpressed by the 15-point winning margin.

"The final points difference is fictitious, but I am pleased with our mental strength. We were able to find character when things had got complicated and difficult for us."

Martinez also found time to praise Tau's rivals.

"AEK never let their heads drop, even when they were seven points down, they were very aggressive, but we defended quite well - better than we have done in other games.

"You have to show everyone respect, because in the Euroleague every side is difficult and it is not easy to play against them."

The win is Tau's third in a row and Martinez was happy to see a continued upturn in their form after a run of three consecutive defeats led to him being questioned earlier this month.

"What we need to see is growth throughout the season and we are on track," he said. notas_de_prensa_archivo