By Stefan Djordjevic/ info@eurohoops.net
AEK and Panathinaikos matched up in preparations for the upcoming campaign and the local clash belonged to the former with 87-77.
Keith Langford was leading the winning side together with Yanick Moreira as they banked 19 and 18 points respectively. Tyrese Rice and Linos Chrysikopoulos added 13 each.
On the other side, Nemanja Nedovic stood out with 19 points while Ioannis Papapetrou scored 17.
The teams were tied after a balanced and high-scoring first quarter 24-24, however, AEK went to the halftime rest with a 45-39 lead thanks to a strong defensive effort in the paint and the fast-paced offense led by Matt Lojeski and Langford.
PAO answered after the break but couldn’t turn the tides as Rice joined in for AEK which held off the opponent throughout the third quarter and then went up 75-65 early in the fourth which was enough to secure a win.
Both squads are preparing for their first official matches in the Final Four of the Greek SuperCup which starts on September 23rd.