Faros Keratsiniou caused a huge upset beating PAOK at home 69-65 after a heartbreaking clash. The home side had control right from the tip-off since the visitors were very anxious and missed many open shots.18-14 after 10 minutes and until half time Faros showed why they are first and undefeated in the 2nd Division. Their experienced roster and their opponent’s bad shape, allowed them to end the half in front 32-31.
Good start to the second half for Faros again, with a 7-2 run and they even got in front for 8 points (54-37) exploiting PAOK’s defecit on offense. They recovered but they did not overtake until the end of the 3rd period, 51-48. The beginning of the final quarter found the visiting team storming past Keratsini with a 0-7 run, but Batis’ defensive attempts and big shots, brought his team again in front and the pressure to “Dikefalos” side. With seconds remaining Papamakarios scored 3 free throws to get them in front 65-62 and from then on, they did not lose the heads up since they were calmer during free throws. PAOK was offensively weak and paid for it against a team that played with passion and determination, winning the ticket to the big final on February. Top scorers were Batis and Skordilis with 10 points. For the defeated team Schortsianitis had 18 and was the only man standing but his attempts was the only threat PAOK had throughout the match.
