TRIA EKA AEL suffered its first loss of the season in the European North Basketball League, falling 83-81 to Donar Groningen at Martiniplaza, in a game that came down to the final seconds.
The Limassol team got off to a strong start and took a 10-6 lead, and shortly afterward found itself ahead 13-12. Donar rallied late in the first quarter, finding answers from Godwin and Merkviladze, and closed out the quarter at 22-16.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
In the second quarter, the home team managed to maintain the lead and at one point even extended it to a ten-point margin, 48-38. AEL, however, did not let the game slip away. With Bailey, Clark, and Johnson stepping up, they cut the deficit and went into halftime trailing 50-43.
The picture changed in the third quarter. TRIA EKA AEL improved its defense and gradually began to chip away at the deficit. Clark, Glover, and Carry made key plays, while Bailey hit a three-pointer to put the Cypriot team ahead 64–61 shortly before the end of the quarter. Donar responded with three free throws by Antoine, and the two teams entered the final quarter tied at 64-64.
AEL maintained the same intensity in the fourth quarter and gained the upper hand. With baskets by Glover and Johnson, they pulled ahead 73–68 and later extended their lead to 78–73, with a chance to secure an important road victory.
Donar, however, made a comeback in the final minutes. Adebayo tied the score at 78-78, and Godwin hit a three-pointer to give the Dutch an 81-80 lead, with 1:09 remaining. Glover tied the score at 81-81 with a free throw with ten seconds left, but Merkviladze scored immediately afterward to make it 83-81. On the final possession, Carry attempted a game-winning three-pointer but missed.
TRIA EKA AEL’s leading scorer was Bailey with 21 points, while Clark scored 18, Glover 16, and Johnson 13. Carry added seven points and Armakolas six.
For Donar Groningen, Merkviladze had 21 points and 12 rebounds, Godwin had 19 points and six assists, while McCalister added 13 and Antoine 11.
Both teams had exactly the same field goal percentage, with 28 made shots out of 62 attempts. AEL was better from beyond the arc, making 9 of 24 three-pointers, but Donar dominated the boards with 41 to 33 and received significantly more support from the bench, with 25 points to six.
The quarter scores: 22-16, 50-43, 64-64, and 83-81.
Donar Groningen: Antoine 11, Godwin 19, Deloach 5, Uijtendaal 2, Merkviladze 21, Adebayo 7, Brathwaite 2, Bergsma 3, Adetunji 0, McCalister 13.
TRIA EKA AEL: Clark 18, Bailey 21, Johnson 13, Glover 16, Carry 7, Fullidis, McClure 0, Armakolas 6, Georgiou.
View the game statistics here.
