Life without Giannis proved to be a difficult task for our national team, which, without a natural leader, needed a big shake-up to break the apathy and defeat Georgia Ilias Zuro 80-67 on Day 2 of the Acropolis tournament. .

Greek Frick remained on the bench to relieve himself ahead of today’s (21.00, OAKA) “final” against Turkey (he was a surprise victim by beating Poland 87-86), and his absence was noticeable, especially in the first half. Making just 2/17 three-pointers in that span, the Blues were usually chasing the score, with problems on both ends of the floor, especially on offense where they couldn’t find rhythm.

… The basket machine took the lead in the second half when Sloukas took his baguette and put it right on the attack with support from (unexpected player) Luncis.

The long-range shot solution was found, the team calmed down, the defensive function remained stable even when the game took on a calmer pace, which led to a complete change of image and an easy victory.

Quarters: 16-21, 34-37, 56-47, 80-67.

ELLAS: Dorsey 10 (2/8 triples, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2kg), Larentsakis 6, Agravanis 1, Kalatis 5, Sloukas 21 (8/9 doubles, 1/4 triples, 2/2 shots), Kalaitsakis, Papanikolaou 3 (1/5 triples), Papapetrou 6, Gondikas 3, Kostas Antetokounbo 10 (5/5 doubles, 0/1 triples, 0/2 throws), Kaselakis 4 (1), Thanasis Antetokounbo 3 (1), Luntzis 8 (2 /3 trips.).

AGRICULTURE: Andronikashvili 9 (1), Mamukelasvili 21 (9/11 doubles, 0/4 triples, 3/3 shots, 8 rebounds), Buryanadze 2 (9 rebounds), Tsinchandze, Sermandini 13 (9 rebounds), Sanatze 3 (1), Pevatse, Bokolisvili, Sengelia 13 (3/9 doubles, 0/3 triples, 7/9 shots, 9 rebounds), McFadden 6 (0/6 triples), Bekauri.