AEK claim important win against Antwerp; PAOK and Peristeri lose

AEK got back on track with an important 62-51 home victory against Telenet Giants Antwerp in the Basketball Champions League, while PAOK’s struggles continued and Peristeri conceded their maiden defeat.

Watch LIVE GREEK TV including full GREEK SPORTS coverage with Go Greek TV! 

AEK 62-51 TELENET GIANTS ANTWERP (GROUP B)

In a low-scoring, defensive affair, AEK improved greatly in the second half of proceedings to defeat Antwerp 62-51 at the OAKA Indoor Hall. The Enosis came into the match on the back of three successive defeats in the Basket League and a disappointing continental loss to Hapoel Jerusalem.

With barely any fans in attendance at the OAKA, AEK struggled in the first 20 minutes against Antwerp, failing to build up any momentum as their lack of confidence took its toll. Antwerp, on the other hand, competed with more composure and boasted a three-point lead after winning both of the opening quarters.

However, as the noise started to increase inside the arena, AEK came to life in the third quarter.

All of a sudden, the Kitrinomavri began competing with fantastic energy and intensity, punishing Antwerp with excellent play on the counter and clinical finishing. Superb defensive play restricted the Belgians to just three points during the entire frame.

Controlling the game, AEK calmly kept Antwerp at bay in the fourth quarter, and the Belgian club only moved above the 50 point mark in the last second. Kendrick Ray notched 18 points for AEK, while Keith Langford registered 16 points and the impressive Howard Sant-Roos picked up eight points, 10 defensive rebounds and three assists. Dave Dudzinski scored 20 points for the visitors.

AEK travel to Bandirma in the tournament next week. Antwerp host RASTA Vechta in Belgium.

PAOK 72-94 NEPTUNAS KLAIPEDA (GROUP D)

Matters are not improving in Thessaloniki. Producing yet another underwhelming performance, PAOK suffered their third defeat in the Basketball Champions League, going down by 22 points against Neptunas Klaipeda of Lithuania. Two of the three PAOK losses have been conceded at home.

The first quarter cost PAOK as Klaipeda won it by 21 points - 32-11. In the second, PAOK did give themselves a chance by winning it 28-13, but Klaipeda then put the game to bed in the third period.

Adam Smith (19 points) and Antwaine Wiggins (17 points) did stand out for PAOK with their strong scoring statistics.

PAOK will be hoping to snap their losing streak on November 5 when taking on JDA Dijon away. Klaipeda welcome Zaragoza to Lithuania.

TENERIFE 72-68 PERISTERI (GROUP C)

The winning streak is over for Peristeri. Prior to this match, Peristeri were unbeaten across all competitions in the current campaign, but they were narrowly beaten in Spain by Tenerife. Peristeri had won their first two games in the Basketball Champions League against Gaziantep and VEF Riga respectively.

Incidentally, Peristeri won the two concluding quarters against Tenerife, but a heavy 11-point loss in the second frame opened the door for their Spanish opponents. Tenerife had opened up a slender one-point advantage in the first quarter.

Steven Gray caught the eye for Peristeri as he scored a huge 26 points.

Peristeri’s next game in the competition is scheduled for November 5 against Nizhny Novgorod in Greece. Tenerife will play against ERA Nymburk in Prague.

PROMITHEAS CONTINUE TO ROLL IN EUROCUP

Over in the EuroCup, Promitheas continued their brilliant start to the regular season, as the Patras-based outfit defeated MoraBanc Andorra 91-81 to tally their second away win in the competition. Promitheas have won four of their opening five EuroCup matches.

Chris Babb drained seven three-pointers as he scored 24 points to steer Promitheas to a key victory.

Promitheas will look to keep their strong run going when hosting Maccabi Rishon on November 6.

By: Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: sport-fm.gr

Thank you for visiting AGONAsport.com, the only English based website for Greek sports fans across the world! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter for all the latest news in Greek Sports!