Green hoopsters win at Panionios amid controversy

Zack Wright scored nine points on his debut with Panathinaikos.

By George Georgakopoulos

Panathinaikos defeated Panionios at Nea Smyrni to extend its record this season to 18-1 in the league, but the Greens’ win was overshadowed by the host’s reaction to a key referee decision.

The cup winners and league table toppers won 69-64 on Sunday and look destined to end the regular season with just one loss, but the referee call that decided the game caused such an upheaval at Panionios that made its owner, Ilias Lianos claim he is leaving the club in disgust with the state of play in Greek basketball.

Guard Zack Wright made his debut scoring nine points for Panathinaikos and showed he is able to help the Greens after his move from Bamberg and the injury to Ramel Curry.

Second-placed Olympiakos is now two points ahead of Panionios after its comprehensive victory over AGO Rethymnou at home with a 105-64 score on Sunday.

PAOK produced an imposing display to beat host Panelefsiniakos 79-56 and Nea Kifissia defeated bottom club Ilisiakos 81-66 on Saturday. Ilisiakos has now parted ways with coach Dimitris Liogas.

Also on Saturday KAO Dramas beat Ikaros Halkidas 96-79 and Trikala downed Kolossos Rhodes 77-70, while on Monday Apollon Patras triumphed 75-67 at Aris.