Panathinaikos scored just 5 points in the second quarter, missing all 11 threes in the first half. Aris capitalized and took the win.
Panathinaikos Athens struggled offensively to score just 20 points in the first half and ultimately fell to Aris Thessalonikos 65-69 (15-16, 5-13, 25-16, 20-24).
Panathinaikos offensive struggles began early on. Although the first quarter was not exceptional, the second quarter was when it all started to fall apart.
The EuroLeague squad scored only 5 points during the quarter. Dejan Radonjic's roster missed all its 7 three-pointers in the quarter, overall missing all 11 in the first half. With 8 turnovers in the second quarter, Panathinaikos had 12 in the first half.
With PAO leading by three in the fourth quarter (57-54), Aris scored went on a 9-1 run to take a 5-point lead (63-58). However, the favorites answered, tying the game at 63 with 2 minutes to go.
With Aris up by a single point, Josh Hagins made a tough contested driving layup to extend the lead to three (68-65). Panathinaikos had a chance but Eleftherios Bochoridis committed a traveling violation on the next possession, leaving the underdogs in the driving seat. Janaud Notae converted a free throw, Marius Grigonis missed a prayer triple, and the EuroLeague team fell to Aris.
Chevez Goodwin led Aris with 19 points on 9-for-13 shooting and 12 rebounds in his account. Meanwhile, Derrick Williams was the top scorer on Panathinaikos' roster with 13 points but made just 4 free throws out of 10.
This is the second time in a row that Panathinaikos lose to Aris in the opening game of the Greek League. Last year, Aris easily won the game 81-71.
Aris: Chevez Goodwin 19 (9/13 2PT, 12 REB), Janaud Notae 13 (2/9 2PT, 2/5 2PT), Josh Hagins 11 (1/6 3PT, 8 AST, 5 TO).
Panathinaikos: Derrick Williams 13 (1/4 3PT, 4/10 FT), Georgios Papagiannis 10 (5/5 2PT, 6 REB), Marius Grigonis 10 (3/7 3PT), Paris Lee 10 (2/6 3PT, 7 AST).
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