AEK defeat Dikefaloi rivals PAOK in Thessaloniki
BASKET LEAGUE - ROUND 10
AEK emerged victorious in Thessaloniki, defeating Dikefaloi rivals PAOK 71-67 on the road in the Basket League regular season.
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Undefeated in the Basket League since late October, AEK were on their game at the PAOK Sports Arena, edging past their hosts to keep their unbeaten run going. PAOK, however, have now conceded two consecutive defeats in the domestic championship after previously losing to Panionios last week.
With 10 rounds in the books, AEK occupy fourth place of the regular season with 16 points, while PAOK are down in 10th with three wins and seven defeats.
Howard Sant-Roos took a leading role for AEK with 14 points. Lewis JeQuan was the game’s top scorer with an impressive 24 points for PAOK.
AEK will host Aris at the OAKA Indoor Hall next week, while PAOK make the trip to Lavrio.
THE MATCH
In a tight, evenly-matched first period, AEK gained a slender two-point advantage.
Controlling the tempo, the Kitrinomavri extended their advantage to six points in the second quarter, with Charalampos Giannopoulos draining a particularly important three-pointer after PAOK had got back on level terms.
Nevertheless, PAOK gained momentum in the third period, taking the lead when JeQuan hit the target from downtown.
A lead which increased to four points with a successful three-point attempt from Adam Smith.
PAOK sensed blood, but AEK soon regrouped, finishing the third quarter strongly and regaining control in the decisive frame.
Keith Langford placed the dagger into PAOK hearts when scoring a vital shot with only eight seconds remaining on the clock.
