By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Leading in double-digits for most of the second half, Panathinaikos Aktor secured a win, 78-71, over the eternal rival Olympiacos in the Peace and Friendship Stadium, SEF, on Sunday.
Shooting near or over 50% from beyond the arc, the lead for the Greens peaked at 16 points. The hosts reduced the deficit down the stretch of the derby highlighting Round 4 of the Stoiximan GBL Regular Season. The team coached by Ergin Ataman finished with 13/26 three-pointers.
“We moved the ball very well and made open shots,” explained the Turkish tactician in a postgame interview with Greek public television, ERT, “It was perfect offense.”
Kendrick Nunn netted a game-high 25 points behind 9/17 field goals, including six triples. Lorenzo Brown threw in 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.
“It is an important victory to take the lead in the league,” Ataman referred to his side improving to 4-0 and forcing the Reds to 3-1.
Besides Marius Grigonis (back) and Ioannis Papapetrou (illness) staying out of the lineup, Omer Yurtseven was not registered for the derby.
For the team coached by Giorgos Bartzokas, Sasha Vezenkov stood out with 19 points. Unregistered Shaquielle McKissic was sidelined with injured Keenan Evans (knee surgery) and Nigel Williams-Goss (hamstring).
“We will talk as a team to see what we can do better in the next games,” noted Bartzokas.
Jordan Walker ties all-time league record
Earlier in Patras, Jordan Walker posted a 17-point, 16-assist double-double pushing Promitheas Vikos Cola to a win, 96-79, over Karditsa Iaponiki. With the 16 dimes, the 25-year-old point guard tied the record in the top-flight division of Greece.
GBL Round 4
Kolossos H Hotels – Aris Midea 84-85
PAOK mateco – AEK Betsson 87-82
Panionios Himi Viva – Marousi 86-62
Promitheas Vikos Cola – Karditsa Iaponiki 96-79
Olympiacos – Panathinaikos Aktor 71-78
Peristeri Domino’s – Lavrio DHI (28/10)
STANDINGS: Panathinaikos Aktor 8 (4-0), Olympiacos 7 (3-1), Panionios Himi Viva 7 (3-1), Promitheas Vikos Cola 7 (3-1), AEK Betsson 6 (2-2), PAOK mateco 6 (2-2), Aris Midea 6 (2-2), Peristeri Domino’s 5 (2-1)…