Quotes after the game BC Rilski Sportist - KK Kumanovo 2009

BC Rilski Sportist took an important step towards the semifinal in EUROHOLD Balkan League after downing Kumanovo 2009 by 12 points at home. Here are some quotes after the end of the match:


Rosen Barchovski, head coach of BC Rilski Sportist: "I′m very happy with my team and all the players. When the idea of one coach is realized, then he is happy. Kumanovo defeated us twice while now we won them. I know that the series is in two games so I′m sorry that we missed to have a bigger lead. At the end there was some lack of focus due to the fatigue. The lead had to be over 15 points but 12 is also not a small number. Traditionally we play well in Kumanovo. There is second game waiting for us and nothing is yet decided. This was a good win for Samokov and Bulgarian basketball."

Vernon Taylor, player of BC Rilski Sportist: "We knew coming into the game that we will have to run and run, and coach made sure that we did that and prepare in practice. The game was not easy because we know this team can really score the ball. I expect the game in Kumanovo to be really tough. They have crazy fans and they will be prepared for us. It felt good to be back out there with my team, felt good to help them. And with the points - I just took what the defense gave me and my team put me in great situations to score the ball. It′s a huge confidence booster for me because I haven′t been playing up to my potential and the Rilski fans deserve better from me. The time is now."

Strashko Todorovikj, head coach of KK Kumanovo 2009: "Rilski didn′t surprise us, it was us that were thinking that everything will be ready and easy - that we′ll come, we′ll make a walk to Samokov and will get the job done. The players didn′t do what was asked from them to do in defense. On the other side Rilski was very motivated, in its best shape and scored everything. They have a great shooting percentage in the first half and unfortunately we couldn′t come back. I think the gym for the second game will be full and with the help of our great fans I think we′ll eliminate them."
Aleksandar Kostoski, player of KK Kumanovo 2009: "I think we started really bad like this is a friendly game and not one that can take you to the semifinal. I think the better offense by Rilski decided the game as both teams played bad defense. I hope we can erase the deficit in Kumanovo. We′ll give our maximum to do so."