Olympiacos played beautiful basketball and comfortably defeated Aris 102-72. The “Reds” ran the floor well, finishing the game with 27 assists and a balanced offensive performance (everyone scored except for Petrusev, who did not play due to illness).
The team from Thessaloniki started the game poorly, seeing the lead jump to 20 points and failing to be as competitive as their coach would have liked.
Olympiacos made it clear from the start that they had no intention of giving Aris any hope. With Fall dominating on both ends of the court, Vezenkov and Fournier scoring, and Walkup and Papanikolaou creating opportunities, the score was 19-5 by the 5th minute. Coach Castritis’ timeout couldn’t slow the home team’s rhythm, as Olympiacos scored on nearly every possession, with Wright making it 28-12 by the 8th minute.
In the second quarter, the players that coach Bartzokas brought in from the bench showed energy, and with quick three-pointers from Dorsey and Larentzakis, the lead extended to 25 points (42-17, 14’). Aris responded similarly (with Nolly and Mantzoukas), but only managed to prevent the gap from widening further (47-25, 25’). By halftime, Nolly helped his team, but Olympiacos was still cruising, heading to the locker room comfortably ahead (57-31).
Each coach had different objectives entering the third quarter. Olympiacos wanted to maintain defensive intensity and keep players in rhythm, while Aris aimed to improve their performance and become more competitive compared to the first half. The visitors managed to reduce the lead to 17 points (64-47, 26’), forcing Bartzokas to call a timeout. After the break, Vezenkov scored six consecutive points, and Olympiacos’ defense clamped down, ending the quarter at 76-49.
The final quarter was more procedural, with players enjoying the game. Olympiacos delivered many easy baskets and assists that excited the crowd. The final buzzer showed a 102-72 score, with Olympiacos looking ahead to Armani Milan and Aris focusing on Hapoel Jerusalem.
Key Moment: From the very start, Olympiacos showed their intentions, taking a 19-5 and 35-12 lead, leaving no doubt about the outcome.
Best Player: Vezenkov, with 22 points in 20 minutes (5/5 free throws, 7/7 two-pointers, 1/2 three-pointers), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals. Wright was the top scorer with 23 points (4/6 free throws, 8/10 two-pointers, 1/1 three-pointers) and 7 rebounds.
Disappointing Performance: Aris’ American centers Banks and Roberts did not contribute as expected.
Supporting Cast in the Victory: Fournier (11 points, 3/5 three-pointers, 7 assists) and Fall (9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks) had strong games.
Solid Effort in Vain: DeJulius finished with 17 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 turnovers, while Nolly added 21 points, 3 assists, and 3 turnovers.
Match Stat: Olympiacos had 27 assists to 14 turnovers. Aris ended with 14 assists and 20 turnovers.
Next Games: Olympiacos will host Armani Milan on Tuesday (15/10), and Aris will face Hapoel Jerusalem at home on Wednesday (16/10).
Quarter Scores: 35-12, 57-31, 76-49, 102-72.
