Panathinaikos AKTOR secured yet another victory in the Stoiximan GBL, this time defeating AEK Betsson away from home (103-80), extending their undefeated streak to 14 wins in the league. Five players from Panathinaikos scored in double digits during the game.
Panathinaikos AKTOR came out strong from the start, quickly building a +10 lead (2-12 at 4') which later extended to +13 (10-23 at 7').
The Greens were exceptionally efficient on offense, ensuring they were never truly threatened, even when AEK Betsson managed to narrow the gap (29-35 at 14'). With shooting percentages remaining high, Panathinaikos maintained control and entered halftime with a 5-point advantage (45-50).
At the start of the second half, a series of accurate perimeter shots and improved defensive efforts helped Panathinaikos AKTOR accelerate, extending their lead to +14 (56-70 at 28').
As time went on, Panathinaikos continued to widen their advantage (60-76 at 30'), ultimately reaching a +28 margin (64-92) roughly five minutes before the end of the game.
In the end, Panathinaikos AKTOR secured a decisive +23 victory (103-80), making it 14/14 in the Stoiximan GBL.
QUARTERS: 22-32, 45-50, 60-76, 80-103.
AEK Betsson (Sakota): Hubb 6 (2), Bryce 4, Netzipoglou 6, Kouzeloglou 14 (1), Golden 4, Gray 14, Skordilis 2, Flionis 2, Obiese 5, Hale 23 (5).
Panathinaikos AKTOR (Ataman): Osman 20 (4), Grant 14 (2), Nunn 14 (3), Gabriel 13, Hernangomez 12 (1), Kalaitzakis 9 (1), Moraitis 2, Sloukas 9 (2), Samontourov 2, Papapetrou 2, Mitoglou 6.
Ataman: "I'm satisfied because we played very good basketball"
Ergin Ataman expressed his satisfaction with Panathinaikos AKTOR's performance in their away victory against AEK Betsson, highlighting the team's display, particularly in the second half of the game.
Detailed remarks:
"Especially in the second half, we played very good basketball. I am particularly pleased with our defense in the third quarter, and offensively, we were strong throughout the game. We scored many points in transition. Additionally, in the third quarter, with Kostas Sloukas on the court, we maintained excellent spacing in offense and moved the ball well.
It was an important win, especially considering the quality of AEK Betsson and their strength at home. AEK is a team with dangerous and talented perimeter players, so I am satisfied not only with the victory but also with the way we played, especially in the second half."
On Wenyen Gabriel’s adaptation: "Our philosophy revolves around simple basketball, so any player who joins my team can understand the game within two or three days. Wenyen Gabriel is a good player. So far, he has performed very well in some games and had lower numbers in others. He was excellent in his debut against FC Bayern Munich, but his performance was not at the same level against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. Tonight, with Omer Yurtseven unavailable, he started in the lineup and performed well. Basketball is simple. It doesn’t matter if you are new or experienced."
On whether a tighter rotation will be beneficial and the potential early return of injured players:
"Tonight, we didn’t go with a tight rotation, especially in the final quarter when our starters didn’t play. Of course, I never think about the second game; I focus on the first one. We will try to win it, whether with five players or twelve, like tonight. Naturally, it will be a challenging week for us, as it is for all teams, including Olympiacos. We are managing the situations as best as we can. I believe Omer Yurtseven will be ready, and I am hopeful that Lorenzo Brown will join the team in Spain."
