By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Despite trailing for nearly 20 minutes, PAOK mateco rallied from a 14-point deficit to defeat Galatasaray Nef, 81-74, in the latest edition of the Basketball Champions League Monday “Game of the Week”.
An exciting comeback for the hosts capped off with a couple of clutch three-pointers sank by Jermaine Love to secure the W. The Illinois-born guard went for a team-high 14 points in his BCL debut. He was 5/12 from the field, including the two triples turning a one-point lead to 79-72 with 41 seconds remaining.
It was a balanced scoring effort with all 11 players checking in for head coach Aris Lykogiannis putting up at least one point. Malcolm Griffin banked in 13 points and Marvin Jones posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double in Group E’s Regular Season Round 3 fixture.
PAOK was coming off a couple of losses in the BCL and was not looking good early, but ultimately managed to pick up pace going up to a 1-2 record. Galata losing at PAOK Sports Arena forced Ekrem Memnun’s side to 2-1, a couple of days following the big win on the road opposite defending Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Anadolu Efes to improve to 3-2 in Turkey’s BSL.
DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell extended his hot streak with a game-high 21 points. Kerry Blackshear Jr. was mostly silent after logging ten points in the first quarter, dominated by the Lions. He ended up with 18 points. Dee Bost registered 11 points, seven assists, and four rebounds.
After an explosive start to the 2021-22 season, former Maryland standout Melo Trimble was limited to eight points and 3/11 field goals. Goksenin Koksal and Okben Ulubay were not available at Thessaloniki, Greece.
Postgame press conference:
Both sides will resume Champions League action on November 9. The Greek club will visit ERA Nymburk, while the Turkish will host Igokea.