Epic turnaround from -20 and AEK’s triumph over Limoges

Playing Game 3 in the Basketball Champions League TOP-16 group was another tough challenge for AEK, who lost by 20 (17-37 at 12′) but an epic effort and turnaround for the 82-72 , giving her a qualifying advantage in the round of 16 of the competition.

The yellow and black team took a 2-1 lead with Akil Mitchell and Isaiah Miles having a fantastic evening followed by Janis Strelnieks and Kenny Williams. Ilias Kantzouris’ team wasn’t great in the three-hand but had an impressive percentage in the two-hand and an amazing creation to make a really big result.

Limoges fell to 1-2, made 9/12 three-pointers for +20 early in the second but gradually lost his energy and resolve. Javon Graves has been the best and most consistent player for Massimo Cancellieri’s side, who not only lost ‘their’ match, but lost by a margin that could play a role as both teams meet again in a month’s time for Round 4 of the TOP – 16

With the French having 5/8 two-pointers and 5/7 three-pointers, AEK fell behind early and with 11 at the end of the first period (14-25). She also fell to -20 (17-37) early in Part Two, but responded with an impressive 18-5 to reduce to seven by the end of Part One and keep the claim to the win alive.

The picture of the game did not change in the third period either, AEK continued to chase the French, but could not reach them and take the lead. He managed to write in the 35th minute with a nail from Mitchell and a technical shot on the Limoges bench (69-68), with a personal 18-3 to 77-68 that could not be turned over and not knocked over became a visitor.

THE REFEREES: Castillo, Calatrava, Aungrogers

THE DECADES: 14-25, 35-42, 59-65, 82-72

The next games of the two teams: AEK and Limoges play again on Tuesday 7 March 2023, this time at the Palais Beaublanc.