Panelefsiniakos- A.E.K. 81-72
Panelefsiniakos celebrate their first win of the season while AEK, despite the arrival of Delinikaitis and English, was somewhat disappointing. The non-consistent AEK roster and the fans boost to the players allowed Panelefsiniakos to create a small lead after 10’ (20-17). AEK recovered, defended with passion allowing the home team to score only 13 points in the second quarter and got to the halftime break in front for one point 33-34.
The visitors faced offensive problems that were covered by their good defense, but the game’s MVP Athanasoulas, led his team on offense straight after the restart, AEK lost their focus and after 30’ they were trailing 57-53. Everybody was expeting them to step up again but that did not happen, Elefsina increased the lead and avoided a late game drama, getting their first win against troubled AEK. Athanasoulas had 21 for the winners, while Sakota was struggling alone for the away side (23). Better appearances are expected from Delinikaitis (10) and English (11).
Aris- A.E.N.Kifissias 83-80
A very interesting match-up took place in Nick Gallis Hall between Aris and AENK who both have a very strong start in the season. The fans created a beautiful atmosphere that gave Aris, alongside their very good shooting totals, a quick lead (23-14), that quickly escalated to 17 points at the 19th minute, mostly due to their great shot percentage from outside the arc and their physical defense. The halftime score was 43-31 giving Aris the edge against AENK.
Back in October AENK kicked Aris out of the Greek Cup, and that result was not a lucky one, considering the way coach Papatheodorou’s team faced the bad first half. The visitors tried to react, finding some open shots and working hard on the rebounding sector, cutting the lead to 10 (61-51) after 30 minutes. The closing quarter had a quick pace since AENK tried to confuse their opponents and make them lose their concentration, forcing them to take bad offensive shots and lose their defensive focus. Aris could feel their opponent’s breath but Uros Duvnjak’s missed three pointer while the difference was on 2 points, and his ½ free throws next, allowed the home team to walk away with the precious win. Vezenkov scored 16 to lead his team offensively, while Pesakovic had 16 for the defeated team.
Panionios- P.A.O.K. 61-65
Panionios was very improved comparing to the last game they played, but they fell short to PAOK who remained undefeated. The home team started strong as they always do, taking the upper hand but PAOK equalized 18-18 to end the first quarter. Not many things changed in the rest of the half, with Panionios leading but the visitors following closely. They even overtook them 33-35 to close the half leading.
The home side had a satisfying first half, but their opponent’s quality started to stand-off during the second half. “Dikefalos” improved their defense and had Vaughn leading their scoring efforts. Panionios tried to react but the visitors seemed to gain control 38-46 mostly due to their very good rebounding totals (45 by the end of the game). The great atmosphere inside Artakis helped the home team players to regain their confidence, get in the court to quickly reduced the lead and they even got in front 2 minutes before the end. At this point, coach Markopoulos’ team used their experience in close situations and overtook Panionios obstacle reaching the 4th win in the season. Korolev was outstanding for Panionios with 20 points and was the top scorer, but Vaughn was the MVP of the game. Hancock made his debut scoring 7 points for Panionios. Finally, it is worth to mention that for another year, PAOK fans made their appearance in Panionios home court without the police separating them, sending a message against violence and seperation.
Koroivos Amaliadas- K.A.O.Dramas 71-69
KAOD was in front through the biggest part of the game but Koroivos with a clutch three-pointer grabbed the win. Great offensive attempts and fluid ball movement allowed KAOD a clean 19-24 lead after 10 minutes, with Koroivos following closely during the second quarter but they were unable to overtake. The half time found the away side in front 42-45.
It was Odom’s time to shine in the second half, giving his team the edge against Koroivos who faced many difficulties inside the paint both in offense and defense. 53-62 after 30’, but the home side was not about to give up. After quickly catching up with KAOD, they followed up close waiting for the game’s final second to score an amazing 3-pointer from the top with Vasiljevic. Top scorer of the game was Odom (23) from the away side but MVP was Lowry for a second game in a row with 17 points.
Panathinaikos- A.G.O.Rethimno 79-70
Panathinaikos dominated AGOR, way easier than what the final score indicates. Fatigue was clear for the “Greens” after their great display against Armani for Euroleague and that gave the visitors a chance to set their pace in the opening quarter (14-16). Dusko Ivanovic warned his players and after the short break, the team was performing better, gaining momentum against their opponents and going to the locker rooms in front 37-30.
It was Diamantidis who led Panathinaikos at the beginning of the second half starting with good offensive efforts, pushing his team towards victory (61-49). AGOR tried to react with Faye taking care of his team’s scoring, but defensively they could not find a solution for Diamantidis (MVP of the game with 21 points) and Batista, who got their team in a safe distance. Faye socred 21 for the visitors.
Apollon Patras- Kolossos Rhodes 71-55
Apollon was solid from start to finish giving Kolossos no chance in the game. The tight defense was the key factor for the home side that allowed only 11 points (17-11), frustrating their opponents. The same good defensive display continued in the second but this time enhanced with great offense, making a big step towards victory. The half concluded 35-21.
Kolossos seemed to give up on their attempts and all Apollon had to do was to secure the 2 points. 58-39 was the score of the 3rd quarter and the game ended 71-55 with nothing worth to mention until the end. Fitzpatrick ad a double-double (15 points and 11 rebs.) while Tsamis had 13.
Olympiacos-Trikalla 87-72
Olympiacos showed their class early in their 87-72 win over Trikalla at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. The 2012 and 2013 Euroleague winners raced to a 31-17 lead after the first ten minutes and from there, the Reds could afford to ease off the gas. Olympiacos raced to a 54-34 half-time lead thanks to slick ball movement and stifling defence.
Brent Pettway and Othello Hunter led the winners with 12 points as five Olympiacos players hit double figures, on the scoring front. Brian Tracey led Trikalla with a game-high 20 points.
