Panathinaikos defeat Aris with strong second half
GREEK BASKET LEAGUE - ROUND 5
Panathinaikos extended their perfect start to the Basket League regular season with a comfortable 108-86 victory against Aris at the OAKA Indoor Hall.
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After playing in northern Russia on Thursday in the EuroLeague, Panathinaikos were far from their best in the first two quarters, but they improved greatly in the second half to eventually ease past a spirited Aris team in Athens. Reigning champions Panathinaikos are unbeaten in the Basket League after five rounds, but this marks Aris’ fourth consecutive defeat.
Jimmer Fredette finished as Panathinaikos’ top scorer with 21 points to his name. Wesley Johnson (15 points), Konstantinos Mitoglou (13 points), Rion Brown (11 points) and Jacob Wiley (10 points) also reached double figures.
Martinas Gecevicius picked up 23 points for Aris and drained seven three-pointers.
Panathinaikos travel to Larisa next week, while Aris host Kolossos Rodou.
THE MATCH
Taking into account their poor form, Aris were never expected to give Panathinaikos any kind of challenge, but they made a bright start at the OAKA. With 17-year-old Giannis Sidiroilias notably scoring seven points in the first quarter, Aris managed to draw the period 25-25, impressing with fluid ball movement and clever shot selections.
Panathinaikos subsequently took charge at the start of the second quarter by embarking on a 10-0 run.
However, instead of caving in, Aris steadied the ship with good rebounding and clinical attacking play. Gecevicius hit four out of seven three-pointers as his sharp shooting helped keep Aris within six points of Panathinaikos after two periods.
Aris took advantage of rather sleepy Panathinaikos play to reduce the deficit to one point in the opening stages of the third period.
Nevertheless, after that positive start to the period, matters dramatically worsened for Aris as Panathinaikos woke up from their slumber. Increasing their intensity, the Athenians began to put flashy plays together, with Wiley and Fredette taking a leading role. Panathinaikos subsequently ended the game as a contest by winning the third quarter by 13 points.
Johnson nailed an attempt from behind the arc in the fourth frame to get Panathinaikos into triple digits. This is the second successive week when Panathinaikos have scored more than 100 points after they registered 104 at PAOK on matchday four.
Panathinaikos’ attentions will now switch back to the EuroLeague as they face two matches against Khimki in Russia and Anadolu Efes at home in quick succession.
HIGHLIGHTS
