Panathinaikos BC AKTOR defeated Panionios Cosmorama Travel 110–66 at the Telekom Center Athens, in a game for Round 9 of the Stoiximan GBL. Top scorer for the Greens was Nikos Rogkavopoulos with 40 points.

The game was balanced in the opening minutes, with Panathinaikos BC AKTOR leading 8–7 at 4′. The Greens increased their pace and soon after extended the margin to +7 (20–13 at 6′), closing the first quarter ahead 30–21.

The visitors tried to react, cutting the deficit temporarily in the 12th minute to 32–28. Panathinaikos BC AKTOR, however, had an immediate answer, running a 7–0 spurt for their first double-digit lead of the night (39–29). The Greens continued with the same rhythm, pulling away by +19 at 18′ (46–30) and by +21 at 19′.

With their foot still on the gas in the second half, the Greens pushed the margin to +26 for the first time (60–34). By the 30th minute, Panathinaikos BC AKTOR had reached an incredible +41 (87–46)! With the difference remaining at such overwhelming levels, the fourth quarter unfolded as a mere formality, with the final 110–66 sealing the emphatic victory for the Greens.

Quarters: 30–21, 53–34, 87–46, 110–66.

Panathinaikos BC AKTOR (Ataman): Shorts 8, Kalaitzakis 11 (1), Sloukas, Rogkavopoulos 40 (12), Samodurov 3 (1), Nunn, Grant 5 (1), Toliopoulos 12 (2), Faried 9, Hernangómez, Mitoglou 9, Yurtseven 13.

Panionios Cosmorama Travel (Zouros): Watson 11, Lemon 10, Starks 12 (2), Papas 5, Tsalmpouris 3 (1), Lewis 6 (2), Gontikas 6, Kreuser 2, Hands 4, Patrikis 5, Gkikas 2.

Ataman: “We showed seriousness from the start”

The head coach of Panathinaikos BC AKTOR, Ergin Ataman, spoke at the press conference following the home game against Panionios Cosmorama Travel:

“We approached the game with seriousness from the beginning. Some of the young guys got more playing time and did well; Rogkavopoulos was incredible and also set a record. Toliopoulos and Samodurov played well, as did Yurtseven. We played basketball with aggressiveness, we played smart basketball. One player took 19 three-pointers and made 12, so everything went well offensively.

Rogkavopoulos had a great game and I hope he continues these performances in the EuroLeague. Today’s level was completely different from that of the EuroLeague. We’re waiting for Richaun Holmes — I think he’s in the final stage of his recovery. We’ll see if he can return this week. We are not in the market.

It’s very difficult to compare EuroLeague teams with Panionios, who did not have a good performance. The game is very different. We will prepare for the match against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. The good thing is that Rogkavopoulos and Toliopoulos played well, and Yurtseven was also positive. But the minutes are specific, and we cannot give playing time to 12 players.

How can Toliopoulos play more in the EuroLeague — how? We have Sloukas, Shorts, Grant — how? I know he is a good player, but the guys I just mentioned are already not very happy with their minutes. How can I also put Toliopoulos in? Whenever we need him, I’m sure he will be ready for us. He was injured, but he showed he is ready. If there is space, he will play. But with the other three, it’s difficult for him to enter the rotation and keep everyone satisfied”.