Panathinaikos AKTOR started its 2024/25 Stoiximan GBL campaign with a solid away victory against Karditsa (66-80). Panagiotis Kalaitzakis led the scoring for the Greek champions with 16 points, while Omer Yurtseven recorded a double-double (15 points, 13 rebounds).
The Greens quickly established their dominance, taking an early lead which grew up to +8 (9-17 at 6'). Their strong defensive play allowed them to maintain control of the game (14-21 at 10'). Despite increased pressure from Karditsa in the second quarter, Panathinaikos AKTOR responded effectively, keeping their lead at a safe margin (18-26 at 13') and extending it to +13 (22-35 at 15'). The first half ended with the Greek champions leading by +11 (31-42).
After halftime, the hosts briefly cut the deficit to single digits (39-47 at 23'), but a mini scoring run restored Panathinaikos AKTOR’s advantage to +14 (39-53 at 26'). Although Karditsa once again closed the gap (50-55 at 29'), Panathinaikos AKTOR responded promptly, bringing their lead back to +13 (55-68 at 34') and extending it further to +18 (57-75 at 36') before finally securing a +14 win (66-80).
Ataman: "We had control throughout the game"
Post-match, head coach Ergin Ataman remarked: “We had control from the first to the last minute, but I am not satisfied with the quality of basketball we played tonight. The only noticeable difference in the statistics is that Karditsa scored only 3 points from offensive rebounds, while we scored 23 points. That’s the difference. This is a dangerous sign for the future. Naturally, there is a significant gap between the two rosters in this type of game. I believe my team should dominate in such games. We just won the game. We started with a victory, but I am not satisfied with our performance.”
When asked about the atmosphere in the arena, he added: “Karditsa loves basketball. They always have a competitive team, and the atmosphere in the arena is great. I wish them all the best in the championship.”
The quarters: 14-21, 31-42, 50-59, 66-80.
KARDITSA (Παπανικολόπουλος): Hall 6, Watson 11, Lewis 7 (1), Kaselakis 10 (1), Kamperidis 8 (2), Horchler 7 (1), Plotas 4, Kapetakis, Diplaros 6, Allen 7 (1), Christidis.
PANATHINAIKOS AKTOR (Ataman): Kalaitzakis 16 (3), Brown 6, Νunn 5, Hernangomez 4, Yurtseven 15 (1), Moraitis, Sloukas 6, Samontourov, Grant 10 (2), Lessort 10, Mitoglou 8.
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