Panathinaikos BC AKTOR defeated Aris Betsson 82–77 at the Telekom Center Athens, in a game for Round 7 of the Stoiximan GBL. Kendrick Nunn led the way for the Greens with 19 points.

Panathinaikos BC AKTOR started the game strong and went up 8–2 in the 4th minute, before extending the lead to 11–4 shortly after. The visitors cut the deficit to 14–11 at 7’, but the Greens closed the first quarter ahead 23–15. Early in the second period the margin reached double digits (25–15), before Aris Betsson reduced it to 25–21 at 12’. At 14’ Panathinaikos BC AKTOR pushed the lead back to double digits (32–22), but the Yellow-Blacks tied the game at 36–36 in the 16th minute and went ahead 39–36 at 17’.

Halftime found Aris Betsson in front 51–41, and they extended the lead to 53–41 at 21’. Panathinaikos BC AKTOR responded with a 10–0 run, making it 53–51 at 25’, and tied the game 56–56 at 27’. The third quarter ended with Aris Betsson ahead 63–61, and at 32’ they went up by four (67–63). A minute later, the visitors led 71–66, but at 34’ Panathinaikos BC AKTOR regained the advantage 72–71. The Greens made it 75–71 at 36’ and never looked back, sealing the victory 82–77.

Quarter scores: 23–15, 41–51, 61–63, 82–77.

Panathinaikos BC AKTOR (Ataman): Shorts 7, Kalaitzakis, Osman 8 (2), Sloukas 11 (1), Rogkavopoulos 3 (1), Samodurov 1, Grant 11 (3), Kouzeloglou, Nunn 19 (4), Faried 13, Hernangómez 7 (1), Mitoglou 2.
Aris Betsson (Milicic): Mitrou-Long 18 (6), Lefas, Jones 6, Nouwah 6, Forester 4, Poulianitis 7 (1), Giouzelis 3 (1), Bochoridis 4, Kazamias, Enoch 12, Harrell 8 (2), Kulboka 9 (3).

Ataman: “We found ways to win”

Panathinaikos BC AKTOR head coach Ergin Ataman stated in the post-game press conference following the matchup against Aris Betsson:

“In the first half we were walking. We fell behind by ten points. In the second half we played more aggressive defense and with a better rhythm on offense, we found ways to win. It wasn’t easy after a EuroLeague double-game week. In the second half we played with the right mentality. It’s not logical for us to play like this — we must be ready to compete in every situation. We have many players to do that. Faried has helped us a lot with his aggressiveness, he’s amazing on both ends and I hope he continues this way.”

Regarding the injured players, the coach said: “Holmes and Lessort definitely won’t be available. With Lessort, it’s not clear yet what will happen — the player will decide. He has already done everything and will keep doing everything. We’re optimistic that we might find a way for him to have surgery at the end of the season if possible. But he will decide. Health comes first. Holmes won’t be ready — he will be available after the national team break. We evaluate Yurtseven every day; he might be available for the game against Dubai BC.”