The most anticipated game of the weekend between Aris and PAOK was suspended, Olympiacos lost to AENK while Panathinaikos dominated Kolossos. Read full review below:
A.E.K.- Panionios 77-64
AEK played in front of their fans for first time this season and they fully took advantage of it, achieving a quick 11-0 lead. It was expected that this start would bring some kind of a reaction from the away team, but that did not happen until the half time when they were totally outplayed especially in rebounds. 47-27 the score after 20’
After a dominating first half for the home side, Panionios reacted, improving their shooting totals and reduced the gap to 7 at the end of the 3rd (60-53), bringing themselves back to the game. AEK remained focus, found he open shots needed to secure the win, despite Panionios efforts. Sakota scored 18 for Enosis, while Kyles and Kasselakis scored 11. Xanthopoulos scored 16 for Panionios and Korolev added 15, making a satisfying debut.
Aris- P.A.O.K. (suspended)
A sad incident happened in Thessaloniki during the town’s rival match. The home fans had created an amazing atmosphere but someone threw an object to the referee causing his warning. At the end of the half, the incident was repeated and the officials asked for the suspension of the game. PAOK got the win on papers, and now Aris is waiting for his punishment.
A.E.N.K.- Olympiacos 68-67
The biggest upset of the weekend found Olympiacos falling short to AENK, failing to get the best out of the week after their away win against Valencia for Euroleague. The home team had a small lead after 10 minutes 18-14, after a great defensive performance. Olympiacos did not really recovered but their opponents could not keep them in a distance. The ended with Olympiacos getting a small lead 34-35, but it was clear that the players were very tired and decomposed.
Olympiacos struggled during the 3rd period, played with no passion, giving AENK the chance to remain on top (49-46) after30’. The “Reds” were held back throughout the closing quarter and could not take the win during the last 2 minutes when the game went to the free throws. Mauroeidis scored 14 for AENK while Spanoulis got 13 for his team but that was not enough.
A.G.O.Rethimno- K.A.O.Dramas 72-66
First win for AGOR for the season, in a tight and physical game. The pace was pretty slow in the first quarter and the score was 9-11 after 10 minutes of basket. The quality of the game was significantly improved in the second period, with the home team playing aggressively and with great pace. KAOD however did not let them get a big distance and the half ended with AGOR leading 35-29.
Rethimno maintained the momentum of the first 20 minutes and returned after the break, determined to increase the lead by scoring on fast break. KAOD tried to balance things but the home side played very well on the transition and built an 11 point lead at the end of the 3rd . All the away side was left to do was to chase their opponents but Rethimno did not allow them to reduce the gap, with Faye scoring 11 out of the 19 points of the closing quarter, lead his team to a safe and relatively easy win. He was also the top scorer of the game with 19 followed by KAOD’s Atkins.
Apollon Patras- Panelefsiniakos 91-82
A great display from the Americans of the home team gamve them the win against Panelefsiniakos. The team from Patra started the game very good, having great shooting totals and dominated the boards, getting a strong 28-19 lead. Some spectacular basketball was played during the second period, with Panelefsiniakos trying to balance things but their opponents were able to find a way to stop them. The halftime score was 53-43.
The second half begun with the two teams focusing more on defense, but the away side took advantage of the rest time some of the starters of Apollon had, cutting the lead to 4 (71-67) after 30’. From that point on, Penn took the game into his hands, performing an inspiring 4th quarter, carrying his teammates to a relatively safe conclusion, awarding them the second league win. Penn scored 29 points and Skordilis had 17. For the away side Robinson had 18.
A.O.Trikalon- Koroivos Amaliadas 102-93 E.T. (67-67)
The most dramatic game of the weekend took place in Trikala where the locals needed 2 overtimes to beat the newcomers Koroivos Amaliadas. The game was very intense with good pace from the start with no team taking a good lead. 19-18 was the end of the 1st period. The teams emphasized more on defense at the 2nd, but it did not result in any big run so the two teams went to the break on a 31-31 draw.
The game was still pretty close at the start of the second half, but the end of the 3rd found Trikala in front for 4 points (56-52). The regular time of the game concluded with both teams exchanging the lead and when Koroivos players missed an open shot 4 seconds before the end, the game was led to OT. Trikala had a small 6-0 run but the two teams soon got even again, not being able to settle their differences again after 45’. The final overtime found Koroivos unable to follow and the local team got a difficult win. Kadji led the way for the winners with 26 points. Lowery scored 23 for Koroivos.
Kolossos Rhodes- Panathinaikos 61-81
Easy win on the road for the Greek Champions beating Kolossos. The home team managed to stay close for 10 minutes (17-17), but from then on the “Greens” had a good offensive run and a safe 30-48 at halftime.
Kolossos had to make a comeback at the start of the 2nd half but they could not threaten their opponents. 48-61 after 30 minutes, allowing Panathinaikos to spend an easy closing quarter. Batista scored 12 for the winners and James had 21 for the Rhodians.
