By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Olympiacos completed a two-game sweep over Panionios Viva Juices and qualified for the Semifinals of the Stoiximan GBL Playoffs. Wrapping up quarterfinal duties, the Reds prevailed, 91-85, on Sunday.
With several Panionios supporters verbally attacking Sasha Vezenkov, Game 2 of a best-of-three series was suspended with three minutes remaining in the first half. The referees left the court, demanding evacuation of the seats behind the Olympiacos bench. After approximately 15 minutes, action in the Glyfada gym resumed.
With 1:01 left in the fourth quarter, the referees returned once more to the locker room after multiple warnings to attending home supporters to stop offensive chants. Evacuating another portion of the stands, initially occupied by ultras, resulted in a second 15-minute pause.
Between injuries and squad restrictions, Keenan Evans, Moustapha Fall, Nathan Mensah, Luca Vildoza, Thomas Walkup, and Moses Wright were ruled out by the visitors. Recovering from a recent knee injury, Nikola Milutinov started and lasted 28 minutes, combining six points with nine rebounds and two blocks.
Building on a quick start, Evan Fournier finished with a game-high 23 points, a new personal best in the top-tier division of Greece. The French import added six rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Panathinaikos follows on Monday
On Monday, Panathinaikos Aktor, visits Peristeri Domino’s. Up 1-0, the team coached by Ergin Ataman will be looking to extend an undefeated domestic streak and clinch a berth in the Semifinals.
On Saturday, PAOK mateco and Karditsa Iaponiki forced a Game 3 by beating AEK Betsson, 94-69, and Promitheas Vikos Cola, 78-74, respectively.
GBL Playoffs
Quarterfinals (best-of-three)
A. Panathinaikos Aktor – Peristeri Domino’s 1-0 (88-68)
B. Olympiacos – Panionios Viva Juices 2-0 (106-67, 91-85)
C. AEK Betsson – PAOK mateco 1-1 (89-76, 69-94)
D. Promitheas Vikos Cola – Karditsa Iaponiki 1-1 (80-76, 74-78)
Semifinals (best-of-three)
E. Winners A-D
F. Olympiacos – Winner C
Classification games (single elimination)
G. Losers A-D
H. Panionios – Loser C
Seventh place
Losers G-H
Fifth place
Winners G-H
Third-place
Losers E-F
Finals (best-of-five)
Winners E-F