Pappas helps Greens overcome Aris

By George Georgakopoulos

An impressive Nikos Pappas averted an upset by Aris and ensured Panathinaikos retained its perfect record on Tuesday, one day after Olympiakos thrashed Panionios at Nea Smyrni for the Basket League.

Pappas scored 23 points to lead Panathinaikos to a 76-69 victory over visiting Aris, despite the absence of captain Dimitris Diamantidis. This was the ninth win for the Greens in as many league games.

Olympiakos has nine wins from 10 games, after dismissing bottom club Panionios 73-56, with 18 points from Bryant Dunston.

AGO Rethymnou had to come from behind on Saturday to beat Kolossos Rhodes at home with a 70-66 score to stay alone in third, two points behind Olympiakos.

There were two more significant comebacks, as Trikala defeated high-flying AEK 87-83 at home, while struggling Panelefsiniakos produced a crucial 74-73 result at Amaliada against host Korivos.

PAOK played a solid game against Nea Kifissia and won 78-67 for its sixth win in eight matches.

KAOD’s victory at Drama over Apollon Patras (82-76) will also play its part in the battle to avoid relegation.