Written on 29 January 2023. Posted in Games.

Consistently undefeated!

Olympiacos bested Aris at the SEF 89 - 75, for the 14^th day of the Basket League and is now the only undefeated team of the domestic league.

At the beginning of the game, the 'red & whites' appeared to be especially inclined to play defense - proof enough the fact that they only received 13 points in the first quarter - however, they lacked the necessary focus. Bad perimeter percentages and unforced turnovers allowed Aris to lead 10-13 at 8', however, with a bucket by Sasha Vezenkov and buzzer beater from downtown by Shaquielle McKissic they got to close the first quarter at +3 (16 - 13). Giorgos Bartzokas shuffled the deck and it proved to be necessary for the team to start rolling. Lountzis was an impeccable facilitator, Larentzakis offered energy and solutions in the offence, Black got to dominate in the paint and Olympiacos got to build a +14 lead (45-31) at 20'.

A bucket by Vezenkov gave the 'red & whites' a +17 margin (47-31), but that was followed by a five minute span full of bad choices in the offence and turnovers, that resulted in Aris closing in (after running a partial 14-3) to 5p. (50-45) at 25'. With good defense and Giannoulis Larentzakis and Alec Peters spearheading the offence, Olympiacos regained control (69-55 at 31'). The ejection of coach, Giorgos Bartzokas at 32', slightly sent our team off balance and allowed the guests to close in to 9p. (71-62) at 33'. The 'red & white' reflexes came into force right away though and with Giannoulis Larentzakis taking center stage, the difference became 14p. (80-66) at 36'. From that point on, the game became a one team show (87-71 at 39'), with Olympiacos getting the final win with ease.