Panathinaikos AKTOR secured an away victory at PEAK "D. Tofalos" in Patras, defeating Promitheas Vikos Cola (84-78) in the opening game of the 16th round of the Stoiximan GBL. Cedi Osman led the Greens in scoring with 18 points in 29 minutes and 45 seconds of play.
Promitheas Vikos Cola started strong, taking an early lead (12-2 at 3’), but Panathinaikos AKTOR responded, closing the gap before the end of the first quarter (21-15 at 8’). Low shooting percentages from beyond the arc allowed the hosts to maintain control during the second quarter (31-21 at 13’). Gradually, however, the Greens improved, managing to overturn the deficit. A remarkable four-minute stretch turned a 10-point disadvantage into a 2-point lead (33-35 at 17’), though Promitheas regained the lead by halftime (46-41).
At the start of the third quarter, Panathinaikos AKTOR turned up the intensity, particularly on defense, and reclaimed control of the game. A 5-point advantage (48-53 at 25’) reflected the shifting momentum, with Coach Ergin Ataman's players dictating the pace and extending their lead to 9 points (62-71 at 32’).
In the closing minutes, Panathinaikos AKTOR maintained their dominance, securing their 16th consecutive win in the Stoiximan GBL.
QUARTERS: 23-17, 46-41, 62-69, 78-84
PROMITHEAS VIKOS COLA (Papapetrou): Davis 22, Reese 2, Varnedo 22 (3), Iwundu 7 (1), Karagiannidis 2, Bazinas, Williams 7 (1), Shittu 6, Chrysikopoulos 10 (2), Oikonomopoulos.
PANATHINAIKOS AKTOR (Ataman): Kalaitzakis 4, Grant 5 (1), Nunn 11, Gabriel 6, Hernangomez 7 (1), Brown 4, Sloukas 12 (3), Osman 18 (3), Papapetrou, Antetokounmpo 6, Mitoglou 11.
Ataman: "It was a very tough week"
After the end of the game, Ergin Ataman stated:
"This was a very tough week for us. We had the derby against Olympiacos on Monday, a highly demanding game against Zalgiris Kaunas on Thursday, and now, less than 48 hours later, another significant away game against a team that knows how to compete and plays with aggression.
In some cases, it’s not about playing perfect basketball but finding a way to win. We are the only EuroLeague team that remains undefeated in our national league. Particularly in the third quarter, we improved defensively thanks to the aggression we displayed.
On offense, Cedi Osman and Kostas Sloukas found ways to score with key shots. Defensively, Wenyen Gabriel protected our paint. Therefore, it’s important that we managed to secure this victory on a night where perhaps we didn’t play spectacularly.
On another note, beyond basketball, I want to express my deep sadness and condolences to those who lost their loved ones in such a tragic event. So many lives were lost, including children.
This was one of the most tragic incidents we’ve witnessed in one of Turkey's most famous winter destinations. I’m deeply sorrowful. I hope those responsible for this take accountability—not just one person, but everyone who bears responsibility. It’s unacceptable for something like this to happen in such a renowned tourist destination. A hotel being in such a state is unacceptable. I’m truly heartbroken that so many people lost their lives, including 38 children who were there for a winter school break."*
On Jerian Grant and Panathinaikos AKTOR's limited rotation due to injuries: "Jerian is fine. He took a hit, but I don’t think it’s serious. Regarding the second question, we will continue as we are; I don’t think we will add another player."
