Eternal Rivals absent from Greek Cup semis for first time in decades

Early round losses for both Olympiacos B and Panathinaikos means that the Greek Cup semifinals won’t feature any of the Eternal Rivals for the first time in decades.

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Panathinaikos’ shock defeat at the hands of Promitheas in the Greek Cup this past weekend means the Trifylli won’t be able to defend their crown or add to their record haul of 19 titles.

In fact, it’s the first time since the 2003/2004 season that Panathinaikos won’t be in the Greek Cup semifinals. That season, a loss against another side from Patra, Apollon Patras, saw Panathinaikos stumble out of the competition after an 82-90 defeat. Aris would go on to win the Cup that season, marking one of the few seasons since the start of the millennium that Panathinaikos haven’t won the Cup.

Although it’s a tournament dominated by the Greens, their archrivals Olympiacos have been their main adversary in the Cup for several Cup Finals. So, it’s even rarer that like Panathinaikos, Olympiacos are also absent from the lineup for the semifinals.

Following their relegation from the Basket League in the offseason, Olympiacos chose to compete with a developmental team in the A2 Basket League – a decision that meant the club would have to compete with the same roster in the Cup according to tournament rules. While the club’s request to play under the name of Olympiacos B Development Team was rejected by the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK), the club didn’t use the same roster that currently features in the EuroLeague each week.

Olympiacos’ relegation to the second-tier meant that the club had to begin their Cup run in the second round as the Piraeus outfit managed to earn a win over MAS Ermis Lagkada. There was no encore in the third round, however, as Olympiacos were bounced from the competition at the hands of SAAK Anatolia.

With no Panathinaikos or Olympiacos in the semifinals, it’s the first time since the 1998/1999 edition of the Greek Cup that no Eternal Rivals have reached the final four of the competition. That season Olympiacos crashed out of the competition in the first round after a defeat to PAOK while Panathinaikos were handed a quarterfinal defeat at the hands of eventual champions Aris.

This season there is a chance for more Greek Cup history with AEK the most successful team still standing in the competition. The Athenians are joined by local rivals Peristeri who will be hoping to improve on their third-place finish in 2004.

Promitheas, who have enjoyed a rapid rise to success on the domestic scene in recent years, will hope to capture their first Greek Cup, while the same can be said for second-tier side Diagoras in their first-ever semifinal appearance.

by Peter Katsiris

Image Source: gazzetta.gr

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