Apollon Patras celebrated a stay-step double against Ionikos (96-82) at the start of the second round of the regular season in the Stoiximan Basket League. With a majestic performance by George Tsalbouris (30 points with 7/7 two points, 5/10 three points, 1/2 shots) and Nikos Diplaros (12 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists) Eager in creation and execution, the black-and-whites were forced upon the blue-and-whites for the second time this year and had the first word in a possible tie in the finals of the championship.

On the other hand, the failure of Eugene German (3/12 shots) cost Ionikos, who suffered a second straight home loss after playing with Larissa at home and remained in a state of nervousness for the rest of the regular season.

All this in -apparently- the last match of Nikos Hougaz with the shirt of Ionikos (he had 2 points with 0/4 shots, 2/2 shots, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 errors, 1 steal and 1 Blocks in 18’09” attendance) as the 21-year-old striker is expected go directly to Panathinaikos OPAP.

The race

The game had a great pace from the start, with attacks proving to be much more consistent than defence. The high tempo didn’t bother Apollon Patras, who had a good edge operation and demanded a lot from many, at the same time Ionikos relied primarily on the ability of Kostis Gondikas close to the basket to “X” (25:25) in the first period.

The Black and Whites had built their confidence which was most brilliantly seen in the consecutive baskets they made with the result that from -2 (27-25 in 11′) +8 (32-40 in 15′) became. in four minutes. Until the final of the first part, facing the loss of the hosts, Apollon Patras remained in the lead of 6:75 (3/12, three points), with +6 (41-47) with Giorgos Tsalbouris as the main actor, of 16 points with 6/8 shots and 1/2 shots.

In the third ten minutes, the guests caught fire, scoring one three-pointer after another and seemed to be able to “end” the games an hour earlier. Patra’s lead reached +16 (50-66 in 26 minutes), but at the point where everything seemed to have run its course, Ionikos bounced back impressively. Kouros Segura’s players scored 11 unanswered points at the end of the season, reducing to -5 (61-66), giving them a second chance to tip over and win.

With psychology on their side, they continued to stay (almost) within range until the middle of the third period (74-79 in 34′), despite Eugene German being inaccurate. However, at the most critical moment, Ionikos lost consecutive peripheral shots. Not only did the difference no longer fall, but thanks to a mini breakout by Apollon Patras, it was again led to the final in double digits (75-87) with three minutes.

The epilogue was written somewhere there, since the players of Ionikos didn’t have the mental reserves, energy and… percentage to come back again, which led to Apollon Patras’ second victory of the year.

THE REFEREES: Foufis-Symeonidis-Katrachouras.

THE TEN MINUTES: 25-25, 41-47, 61-66, 82-96.

IONIC (Segura): Mustafa 10 (2 three-pointers, 7 rebounds), Chatzikyriakos, Koloveros 10 (5/5 two-pointers, 0/1 three-pointers), German 7 (3/12 shots), Arsenopoulos, Parker 23 (5/9 three-pointers, 8 Assists), Athinaiou 2, Gondikas 16 (7/13 two points, 2/2 shots, 5 rebounds), Giouzelis 10 (2), Langford 2, Hugaz 2.

APOLLO OF PATRAS (Vetoulas): Tsalbouris 30 (7/7 two points, 5/10 three points, 1/2 shots), Diamantakos 1, Zoumpos, Diplaros 12 (2/6 three points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists), McLaughlin, McLean 15 (2 three points), 7 rebounds), Davis 11 (1), Mitrou – Long 17 (4/7 three points, 7 assists), Cleveland 10 (5/5 two points).

Group Stats – Ionian: 22/41 two points, 10/30 three points, 8/12 shots, 26 rebounds (15 defensive + 11 offensive), 21 assists, 9 errors, 6 steals, 1 block.

Group Statistics – Apollon Patras: 18/26 two points, 15/30 three points, 15/18 shots, 30 rebounds (25 defensive + 5 offensive), 18 assists, 10 errors, 4 steals, 2 blocks.

The next commitments of the two teams: After the break next week, Ionikos will be tested away against Aris (13/2, 17:00), while Apollon Patras returns to Perivola to welcome the Colossus (12/2, 17:00).