By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Olympiacos captain Kostas Papanikolaou reached a historic milestone on Sunday, extending his all-time club record to 800 career appearances during a resilient 92–81 victory over Aris Betsson at the Peace and Friendship Stadium.
Despite an early 12-point deficit, the Reds rallied to maintain their perfect domestic record through Round 25 of the 2025-26 edition of Greece’s Stoiximan GBL Regular Season, fueled by the veteran forward’s steady presence. Papanikolaou contributed five points, three assists, and three rebounds in 20 minutes, with Serbian center Nikola Milutinov dominating the paint to facilitate the comeback en route to an impressive 16-point, 11-rebound double-double.
This seventh consecutive win across all competitions boosts the momentum for the team coached by Giorgos Bartzokas as they transition toward the most critical juncture of the season. The rotation also saw a significant boost as Frank Ntilikina and Monte Morris returned to action.
Having already secured the top seed and home-court advantage for the domestic playoffs, Olympiacos is now turning its full attention back to the continental stage. After finishing first in the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season, the defending Greek champions await their opponent in a best-of-five series from next week’s Play-In Showdown.
GBL Round 25
Mykonos Betsson – Peristeri Betsson 92-88
Maroussi Chery – Kolossos H Hotels Collection 108-93
Karditsa Iaponiki – Promitheas Vikos Cola 95-79
Iraklis – PAOK 72-76
Olympiacos – Aris Betsson 92-81
Panionios Cosmorama Travel – AEK (15:00 CET)
STANDINGS: Olympiacos 46 (23-0), Panathinaikos Aktor 41 (18-5), PAOK 39 (16-7), AEK 37 (15-7), Peristeri Betsson 36 (13-10)…