Predictions confirmed in SEF, in its first final basketball league. OUR Olympicmade the score 1-0 in the series, but it is much more difficult than even the most optimistic fan might have expected Panathinaic.

The Red-Whites extended their impressive streak to 14-0 against their age-old rival, who appeared to be very competitive and, with a great performance in the fourth quarter, lost the game in detail.

The Red-Whites’ 73-70 lead was the result of the relaxed approach with which they approached the game after the first quarter, as well as the competitiveness shown by the Greens, especially in the second half. Panathinaikos, led by Grigonis and Lee, had their best game against Olympiacos this year, they were very solid defensively and if they had the best 3-point percentage they could have made a break in the series and taken the lead at home.
Vezenkov VS PAO in first 10′

From the first three minutes of the match, the hosts showed their spirit. With five points from Sasha Vezenkov and another five from Michalis Luntsis, they made it 10-0, signaling to the opponent that they would have to work hard to turn the tide in their favor.

Along with two very quick fouls by Papagianni, Panathinaikos’ rebounding problem seemed to be getting more and more acute.

And if Luntsis put a stop, Vezenkov continued unstoppably, finishing the first period with 16 points (4/6 two-pointers, 2/2 three-pointers, 2/3 shots), two more than Panathinaikos, having excellent partnerships with Walkup mostly by surprise, giving his team a 12-point lead (26-14).

Giorgos Bartzokas played in the second period with his second five and, despite the fact that none of the opponents (Sloukas, Larentsakis, McKissick, Peters, Boloboi) stood out, the difference was reduced to +8 (41-33). Christos Serelis’ players didn’t take advantage of this, despite showing better defensively, and Grigonis made a commendable effort.

Two consecutive shots from Gudaitis and the same sense of relaxation with which Olympiacos entered the second half brought Panathinaikos to four points early in the third period (41-37).

Olympiacos responded with a flare of their own and, thanks to Papanicolaou’s 3-pointer, double-digit lead again (56-46 in the 27th minute), finishing the third period with a good lead (61-48).

But in the fourth quarter, the guests performed excellently, managed to keep the “red-whites” on only 12 points, limited Vezenkov, who scored only four points, took the lead with a score (65-66) two minutes before the end, but Agravani’s mistake and composure shown by the hosts with Fal and Sluka in the final, gave them the win.

Quarters: 26-14, 41-33, 61-48