PAOK concluded its season and, despite the 94-102 defeat to Panathinaikos AKTOR and its elimination from the Stoiximan GBL Finals, received a spontaneous and fully deserved standing ovation from its fans for an outstanding campaign in both Greece and Europe.
The best is yet to come for PAOK, which put in a tremendous effort in today's game. The team controlled the early stages of the contest but gradually fell behind and ultimately suffered defeat.
PAOK dictated the pace from the opening tip, taking leads of 10-5 and 15-8, while extending its advantage to as many as 12 points (27-15) before closing the first quarter with a 10-point lead (27-17).
The home side maintained its advantage throughout the second quarter (32-23, 38-32, 43-38) and went into halftime ahead by four points, 47-44.
At the start of the second half, the visitors took the lead (51-56 at 23:45). PAOK responded with a 10-2 run to regain the advantage at 61-58, but by the end of the third quarter found itself trailing by five points (67-72).
A three-pointer by Tyree cut the deficit to just two points (70-72), but Panathinaikos responded, with Shorts knocking down a three-pointer to extend the lead to nine (73-82 at the 34th minute). PAOK reduced the gap to 87-94 but was unable to get any closer in the closing stages.
Scoring by quarters: 27-17, 47-44, 67-72, 94-102
PAOK: Melvin 22 (3), Tyree 17 (3), Koniaris 2, Omoruyi 19, Persidis 7 (1), Iatridis, Beverley 14, Fillios, Moore 10, Dimsa 3 (1).
Panathinaikos AKTOR: T.J. Shorts 14 (1), Osman 29 (5), Hayes-Davis 14 (1), Samodurov, Grant 15 (2), Nunn 8 (2), Lessort 15 (2), Toliopoulos, Mitoglou 7 (2).