Our national team lived up to expectations in the first phase of the 2024 Pre-Olympic tournament, securing the top spot in the group with victories over the Dominican Republic and Egypt. As a result, Greece will play against Slovenia, led by Doncic, in the first semifinal of the SEF tournament on Saturday at 17:30.
Vassilis Spanoulis’ players didn’t need to push themselves too hard to achieve an easy 93-71 victory, allowing key player Giannis Antetokounmpo to rest. However, there is concern over Kostas Antetokounmpo, who left the game in the second period due to knee problems and did not return.
The Game
The national team started strong, focusing on defense to run the floor and score easy baskets. By the third minute, Greece led 10-3 with a near-perfect shooting percentage, while Egypt committed four turnovers. The lead grew to +14 (18-4) by the 7th minute, highlighting Greece’s dominance. The first period ended with Greece ahead 20-12, boasting 10/14 two-point field goals and a significant rebound advantage (8-1).
Despite this strong start, Greece lost its rhythm in the second quarter, allowing Egypt to close the gap to 26-23 by the 15th minute. Although Greece extended the lead to +11 (36-25), Egypt fought back to trail by just two points (40-38) before halftime. Greece’s defense faltered in the second quarter, conceding 26 points compared to just 12 in the first.
In the first half, Giorgos Papagiannis led Greece with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Greece shot 15/21 from two-point range and 4/14 from three-point range, while Egypt had 12/17 from two-point and 3/10 from three-point range, with 9 turnovers overall.
Second Half
Greece started the second half with a quick 11-3 run, increasing the lead to 53-41 by the 22nd minute. Despite Egypt’s zone defense efforts, Greece’s superior skill set proved too much, extending the lead to +15 (62-47) by the 28th minute. Kostas Antetokounmpo’s injury forced Spanoulis to rotate Papagiannis and Mitoglou at center, occasionally using smaller lineups.
With improved perimeter shooting, Greece’s lead ballooned to +20 (74-54) by the 32nd minute, and they maintained control until the final whistle.
Final Score
Greece’s quarters: 20-12, 42-38, 68-52, 93-71.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is not playing – With a win, Greece finishes in 1st place in its group and plays on Saturday in the semi-final with Slovenia – Broadcast by ERT-1 and Novasports Start
