By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Leading in double-digits for most of the 40 minutes, Olympiacos had to repel PAOK mateco’s late push before regaining separation and grabbing the 84-73 victory in Thessaloniki Monday.
Tyler Dorsey paved the way banking in a game-high 19 points plus six rebounds. The Oregon product tucked in 5/10 field goals in the Stoiximan Basket League Regular Season Round 20 contest.
Behind 6/6 two-pointers, Livio Jean-Charles chipped in 16 points. Michalis Lountzis added 11 more points. Sasha Vezenkov logged eight points and ten rebounds to go along with three assists and one block.
Kostas Sloukas and Moustapha Fall remaining on the injury list did not prevent the team coached by Giorgos Bartzokas to jump to 16-1 in the Greek League. Archrival Panathinaikos OPAP was on the road and went up to 17-1 by rolling AEK Sunday.
Completed their Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season schedule, the Reds will end up in the second or third seed of the Playoffs bracket depending on how Real Madrid and AX Armani Exchange Milan finish their own respective schedules this week.
As for PAOK, the hosts of the Greek League fixture cut the deficit to five points before getting outplayed down the stretch. Jermaine Love packing 14 points stood out as the team led by Aris Lykogiannis was forced to a third straight loss and down to 7-10.
Stoiximan Basket League Regular Season Round 20:
Promitheas – Ionikos 88-84
Iraklis – Aris 91-86
AEK – Panathinaikos OPAP 69-83
Peristeri Vitabiotics – Larisa 71-77
PAOK mateco – Olympiacos 73-84
Lavrio Megabolt – Kolossos H Hotels PPD