Aris- P.A.O.K. 62-57
Aris dominated the rival game between the two teams from Thessaloniki in “Nick Gallis Hall”, a game that belonged to the 2nd week of the Greek Basket League but it was postponed. Both teams had a good offensive pace right from the tip-off with PAOK starting the game with a 0-5 run that got them in front. Aris faced a small offensive problem that helped the visitors to get in front 11-17, but with 8 consecutive points they overtook. Finally PAOK ended the first period in front 19-20 and from then on the pace became way slower with both sides committing turnover after turnover. The lead changed multiple times until Aris got a small lead to end the half time in front 29-27. Coach Priftis’ team shot with 9% from behind the arc (1/11) while PAOK was slightly better, a fact that allowed him to stay close.
The tight clash continued after the break with the two teams playing with extreme passion and will to win. It was Adegboye for Aris who helped his team stay on the driver’s seat both with his scoring and his assists. Langford managed to keep his team close and the 3rd period concluded with the home team in front 48-45. The British point guard continued to boost his team to victory alongside Reed, who by the 35th minute, sent the difference to 10 points (58-48). It all seemed to be easier for them, but the pressure and the lack of confidence Aris had was exploited by the visitors who had another shot at the game. PAOK defended well, forced many missed shots and finally brought the point difference within 3, but Carter’s shot did not hit the mark, Mourtos made both free throws and “Kitrinomauroi” got a very important win to reduce the gap between them and PAOK in the League Table, and of course celebrated their success in the local derby. For the winners Reed scored 16 and both Vezenkov and Adegboye had 11. For Soulis Markopoulos’ team, Langford had 12 and Carter scored 11 points.
