Three days after conceding 105 points vs Maccabi Rishon, the Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv defense gave away 110 points in Athens. But this time they came on top winning 113-1110 vs AEK Athens. This was Maccabi’s fifth win since the start of the Euroleague season and keeps tem on top of Group B.
The first quarter was even (29-29). At half time Maccabi held a 61-54 lead and increased it to 72-63. A technical foul on coach Pini Gershon, enabled AEK to make four free throws and add a three pointer to close the gap to 72-71. But at the end of the third period Maccabi led 85-78.
Nikola Vujcic left the court with an injury early in the final period. Maccabi opened a 10 pts lead (89-79) but then Deon Thomas & Maceo Baston fouled out. A second technical and the Greeks came back to 92-90. Anthony Parker & Satras put Maccabi in command 105-94. But the hosts never gave up, came back to 110-108 but could not prevent the eventual Maccabi victory.
Both teams shot well for three points: Maccabi 10-20 and AEK 14-30. But Maccabi had the edge in FG – 61% to 51%.
Saras led Maccabi with 22 pts, 9 ass & 4 rbds.
MVP for the night – Nikolaos Chatzis 37 pts (7-11 for three).
