Heraklion – PAOK 74-84: Dikefalos scored in the second half and won the derby

The Thessaloniki derby was episodic. The Ivanofeio was full, the referees didn’t want to start the second half until the extras left, the people from PAOK opened a dialogue with the podium to explain that they had no problem with the atmosphere, they even saw a dog shower in the 30′ and finally the winners exited Game 16 of the Stoiximan Basket League with a score of 84-74.

The 7-7 lead was Dikefalos (4-3 h, 3-4 a) with Marvin Jones making a great showing, Phil Green scoring great shots, and Toliopoulos, Jankovic, Mantzari and Rivers following. At 3-11 was Giraios (2-5 home and 1-6 away) who struggled but didn’t have the tenacity, consistency or depth on the bench to eke out the win.

The race

Since Roten did a great job in the creative part at the beginning of the game, Iraklis was in control, he also took the lead with seven points (19-12 in 8′), but Lov with six consecutive points carried PAOK and reduced to point at the end of the season (19-18). As the sixth player, the American created a chance to score, and at the beginning of the second ten minutes he shot at his team’s overtaking maneuver (20:19).

Toliopoulos, Jones and Jankovic played good basketball for 25-28 in 14 minutes and for 28-32 in 15 minutes, with the former having a great showing in scoring and creation. The PAOK defense worked great in the second period, Mantzaris hit from the line of fire at 32:39 of halftime, the hosts had thrown six shots in the trash, they had a point in the surprise and at the same time the guests could count on Marvin T. made the difference with 13 points.

Finally, after a half-hour delay, the second part began as the large crowd of fans left Ivanofio. Iraklis scored 13 points in three minutes to get ahead (45-44), putting PAOK in a difficult situation but not really scary. Phil Green hit a great three for 51-56, another for 54-59, Rivers and Lee kept the visitors at safe distance, the former firing for 58-70 in 34′ and somewhere there the game was judged.

Toliopoulos was in a great night, enjoying the game, scoring more shots for 64-77 and PAOK exiting Ivanofeio triumphantly in a night that lasted longer than it should but offered a good clash.

THE REFEREES: Poursanidis G., Pitsilkas, Malamas

THE TEN MINUTES: 19-18, 32-39, 54-59, 74-84

The next games of the two teams: In the 17th game, SEF’s Iraklis will play Olympiakos (3/12 at 20:00 CET) while PAOK enjoy the break.