TRIA EKA AEL BC celebrated its first victory in this year’s ECOMMBX Basket League, defeating Fabbrica Enosis Neon Paralimniou 89–77, in the game held on Saturday (10/17) at the “Nikos Solomonides” Arena for the second round of the league.
The Limassol team managed to overturn the slim lead that ENP held in the first half, took the lead in the third quarter, and with a stronger performance in the final minutes secured its first win of the season. For the Paralimni team, it was their first loss in this year’s championship.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Donte Clark led the winners with 34 points, while George Beale stood out for ENP with 37 points and five three-pointers.
The game began with the two teams trading baskets. AEL took an early 9-5 lead, but ENP fought back and went ahead 15-9. The visitors maintained a slim lead thereafter, extending it to 22-16, before the home team cut the deficit to 22-20 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the game remained close, with the lead changing hands repeatedly. ENP led 32-28, AEL took the lead 35-34, and the two teams continued to trade baskets. With a three-pointer by Brendan Bailey, the home team took a 42-41 lead, but George Beale responded with a three-pointer of his own, making the halftime score 42-44.
Upon returning from the locker room, AEL got off to a better start. They first tied the score at 44-44 and then, led by Clark, built a lead that reached nine points (60-51). ENP did not allow the home team to pull further ahead and, thanks to key offensive plays by Beale, managed to tie the score at 64-64. A basket by Alexandros Konstantinou in the final seconds gave AEL a 66-64 lead at the end of the third quarter.
In the final quarter, the Limassol team led 70-64, but ENP closed the gap to one point (70-69), keeping the game exciting. A three-pointer by Sincere Carry gave AEL some breathing room (73-69), and the home team subsequently held onto their lead.
ENP cut the deficit to 77-73 with about five minutes remaining, but AEL found the answers they needed. With a basket by Pape Faye and then decisive plays by Javonte Johnson, the home team extended their lead to 85-73 with about two minutes left, ultimately securing an 89-77 victory.
Scores by quarter: 20-22, 42-44, 66-64, 89-77.
TRIA EKA AEL BC (Kalia Papadopoulou): Clark 34 (2), Bailey 10 (2), Javonte Johnson 10 (1), Armakolas 3 (1), Glover II 10, Konstantinou 2, Faye 4, Marios Georgiou 3, Carry 13 (1).
Fabbrica ENP (Panagiotis Giannaras): Austin Johnson 6, Tyke Thompson 5 (1), Brett Thompson 7 (2), Weston 14, Beale 37 (5), Orestis Georgiou, Loukas 4, Solomou 4, Loizidis, Papadimitriou.
