Aris showed signs of improvement, but it wasn’t enough to return to winning ways in the EuroCup. The team suffered a loss in Romania during the 9th round of the competition, leaving them in a tough spot for advancing to the next stage.
The Greek team struggled with consistency, showing moments of excellent performance on both ends of the court but also periods of complete disarray. Cluj capitalized on this inconsistency, going on scoring runs that secured their 5th victory in the EuroCup. Meanwhile, Yiannis Kastritis’s squad remains stuck at just two wins.
Sharife Cooper’s debut showed promise for Aris, while Darrell Willis took initiatives but struggled with accuracy, mirroring the team’s overall inefficiency. Aris finished with just 6/27 three-point shooting (22%), which ultimately hindered their chances.
Match Highlights:
- Cluj controlled the pace early, leveraging Aris’s shooting slump (1/8) to jump to an 11-4 lead. Sharife Cooper’s introduction improved Aris’s offense, but defensive lapses allowed Cluj to maintain their advantage (26-19 at the end of the first quarter).
- Aris rallied in the second quarter with a 9-0 run to lead 28-26, led by Landers Nolley, who scored 16 points in the first half. Despite their effort, the lack of successful three-point shots (2/15) cost them a stronger lead (42-38 at halftime).
- In the third quarter, Cluj extended their lead to 51-42, but Aris’s defense cut it to 51-48. However, a buzzer-beater by Stephens after Cluj’s 10th offensive rebound left the score at 63-57 entering the final quarter.
- The fourth quarter saw Cluj pull away with a 6-0 run, reaching a 12-point lead (69-57). Aris reduced the gap to six points (71-65), but poor long-range shooting and sending Cluj to the free-throw line sealed the game (87-79).
Key Moments:
- Turning Point: When Cluj stretched their lead to 12 points in the final quarter, they effectively secured the win.
- Best Player: Xavier Simpson was Cluj’s maestro, delivering a double-double in points and assists despite five turnovers.
- Supporting Cast: Mokoka, Hankins, and Stephens were instrumental, with Cluj’s big men dominating.
- Wasted Performances: Landers Nolley’s standout game went unrewarded, and while Sharife Cooper was promising, Darrell Willis struggled to make an impact.
- Critical Stat: Aris shot under 20% from three-point range, finishing 6/27, undermining their 18 offensive rebounds.
Next Games:
- Aris will host Venezia on December 4 for the start of the EuroCup’s second round, while Cluj will face Cedevita Olimpija away.
Quarters: 26-19, 42-38, 63-57, 87-79
