By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Game 3 of a best-of-five series between Panathinaikos Aktor and Olympiacos has been postponed, and the Stoiximan GBL Finals can also be canceled entirely, as announced by the Greek government.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis announced the decision on Monday, shortly following several violent incidents marking Game 2 of the championship series on Sunday evening.
The Greens and the Reds are now set to talk with government officials to establish a safe environment between OAKA Altion and the Peace and Friendship Stadium, and in general, for the rest of the series. If the meeting is unsuccessful, the Finals will be abandoned, as clarified by Marinakis.
Contrary to the initial information, the government proposal will be for the games to be held with fans in the stands provided there are security guarantees from the two clubs.
Game 3 was initially scheduled to be played in OAKA on Wednesday, with Game 4 in SEF on Friday and Game 5, if necessary, in OAKA next Monday. Before the suspension of the series, the eternal rivals were tied at 1-1.
Play In the Tournament
Panionios Viva Juices – Aris Midea 92-78
Peristeri Domino’s – Lavrio DHI 90-77
Aris Midea – Peristeri Domino’s 78-83
GBL Playoffs
Quarterfinals (best of three)
Panathinaikos Aktor – Peristeri Domino’s 2-0 (88-68, 97-82)
Olympiacos – Panionios Viva Juices 2-0 (106-67, 91-85)
AEK Betsson – PAOK mateco 2-1 (89-76, 69-94, 89-85)
Promitheas Vikos Cola – Karditsa Iaponiki 2-1 (80-76, 74-78, 85-65)
Semifinals (best of three)
Panathinaikos Aktor – Promitheas Vikos Cola 2-0 (101-69, 97-59)
Olympiacos – AEK Betsson 2-0 (87-85, 90-64)
Classification games (single elimination)
Karditsa Iaponiki – PAOK mateco 90-76 (Karditsa ranked fifth)
Panionios Viva Juices – Peristeri Domino’s 102-93 (Peristeri ranked eighth)
Sixth place
PAOK Mateco – Panionios Viva Juices 94-78
Third place
AEK Betsson – Promitheas Vikos Cola 91-67