This week 5 games were played since Olympiacos and Panathinaikos are currently playing to the Euroleague play-offs. Their games were postponed and a new date will be announced.
A.E.K.- A.O.Trikala 96-73
Trikala knew they were the underdogs but it did not stop them from playing quick and open basketball, taking a 24-28 lead after 10’ but AEK soon overtook, to end the half leading 50-44
After their bad start, the home team knew they had to play better defense and so they did taking total control of the match, despite Trikala’s attempts to stay close by playing zone defense. MVP of the game was Hairston with 21 points and for Trikala Cupkovic had 17.
It is worth to mention that before the jump-ball, AEK BC honored the late Giorgos Amerikanos, the team’s captain back in 1968, when they reached the top of the European Basketball, by retiring his jersey.
Panelefsiniakos- Koroivos Amaliadas 70-72
Koroivos squeezed by Panelefsiniakos and sent them to the second division after 3 years. The home team had control of the game right from the start (26-22 after 10’). Defense was strong for them showing their desire to take the game, 51-43 at halftime.
Not many things changed during the 3rd quarter when the visitors tried to overtake but their missed shots held them back. However by the end of the match Panelefsiniakos was clearly very stressed, giving Koroivos the room they needed to find the open shots and finally escape Elefsina with the win
. MVP was Rubio with 14 points and for the relegated team Mitrovic was the top scorer with 18.
Kolossos Rhodes- A.G.O.Rethimno 77-63
Kolossos made a big step towards the 6th spot of the Greek Basket League after dominating AGOR. The Cretans tried to take control early on but Kolossos had the answers needed to get in front after 10’, 24-21.From that point on the visitors were locked behind Kolossos tight defensive strategy. The halftime ended 46-35.
The second half was one of the best the Rhodians have played this year with great offensive flow and quick pace to send the point margin to 17 points 5 minutes after the resume of the game. AGOR gave up and the home team easily sealed the win. Toliopoulos was the MVP with 15 points and for the defeated side Hollis had 13.
A.E.N.Kifissias- P.A.O.K. 60-62
PAOK met some difficulties against AENK on the road but finally got the win after a good closing quarter. The game was tight but not an impressive one with both coaches emphasizing on tactics. The home team was in front throughout the first half but PAOK equalized right before the end 29-29.
Kifissia grabbed the crucial rebounds, put the ball in the paint and after 30 minutes they were in front 45-39. “Dikefalos tou Vorra” quickly reached AENK again and achieved to take a lead that changed hands all through the closing quarter until Carter scored behind the arc (60-62), 10 seconds before the buzzer. AENK missed twice and the 2 points went to PAOK behind Carter’s 18 points and Tsochlas’ 15, while Silas had 14 for AENK.
Apollon Patras- K.A.O.Dramas 63-67
The most important game of the weekend took place in Patra where the local team fell short against KAOD who grabbed the 8th spot, the last one leading to the play-offs with 3 games left. The visitors appeared confident making correct choices that helped them reach the half time leading 27-32.
Apollon stayed close until the start of the 4th period when the visitors had a 0-9 run to give them a good lead. Again Apollon tried to make the comeback but the Dramians where patient, did not lose their focus and got the win. Papamakarios was the MVP with 24 points while Fitzpatrick tried his best (19 points) but it was not enough. After the end of the game, coach Vetoulas appeared frustrated over the situation that goes on to Apollon Patras team and decleared he will give up at the end of the season.