What happened in the Red Star versus Aris friendly?
The game remained close for most of the evening. Aris trailed 64-54 early in the third quarter after Red Star produced a 19-7 run. The Greek side responded with three-pointers from Elijah Mitrou-Long and Lindell Wigginton to close the third period at 67-63. In the fourth quarter the lead changed hands several times. Aris reached 76-75 on a three-pointer by Mitrou-Long and a basket by Michalis Toliopoulos. Red Star regained control with 59 seconds left when Chima Moneke hit a three-pointer from eight metres to make the score 86-84. Tyson Carter added a late basket to seal the 91-87 final margin. The quarters finished 23-21, 41-44, 67-63, 91-87. Aris had turned the 10-point deficit into a one-point lead late before the decisive sequence. The contest opened with both teams trading baskets before Red Star built a small edge at the end of the first period. Aris erased that margin in the second quarter and briefly led at half-time. The third quarter saw the largest swing when Red Star surged ahead by ten, yet Aris answered immediately with perimeter shooting to stay within striking distance heading into the final ten minutes.
Which players stood out for Aris?
Five Aris players reached double figures despite the absences of Stefan Jovic, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Jean-Philippe Mokoka, Panagiotis Poulanitis and Vasilis Toliopoulos. Dimitrijevic led the scoring with 16 points. Mitrou-Long finished with 13 points, four rebounds and two steals. Toliopoulos added 14 points and seven assists. Morgan scored 10 points and Robinson-Earl contributed 11. The team shot efficiently from long range, making nine three-pointers in total. Birch added 6 points and Charalampopoulos scored 6 points with three three-pointers. The box score also showed Liddell with 8 points and five rebounds before fouling out. Mitrou-Long converted all three of his three-point attempts while adding two assists and two steals. Toliopoulos distributed the ball effectively with seven assists alongside his 14 points. Robinson-Earl grabbed five rebounds to go with his 11 points. The five double-figure scorers illustrated the offensive balance Spanoulis has sought since the roster overhaul.
How did the absences affect the rotation?
Spanoulis started the game without his usual point guard and several front-court options. The coach used a shorter bench and relied on players such as Birch and Charalampopoulos for extra minutes. Lindell Wigginton picked up his fifth foul with eight minutes remaining, further reducing the options. The team still produced five double-figure scorers and competed until the final minute. The source lists exactly five absences and confirms the group still managed to stay competitive against a EuroLeague side. Without Jovic the playmaking duties shifted to Dimitrijevic and Toliopoulos. The loss of front-court depth forced greater reliance on perimeter players for rebounding. Wigginton’s early exit removed a key scoring threat and forced Spanoulis to manage minutes more carefully in the closing stages. Despite these constraints the side maintained defensive intensity and shared the ball to create open looks.
What did Vassilis Spanoulis say after the game?
Spanoulis expressed satisfaction with the team’s physicality and composure. He noted that the squad had recovered from deficits twice and stayed within one point inside the final minute. The coach highlighted the need to extend good stretches on both ends of the floor and said the group is still learning how to close games against experienced opponents. He also praised the attitude of a roster containing eleven new players. He said: “We controlled the game for most of the time. We were one point up in the last minute and then Moneke’s shot came. I saw what I wanted to see and that is the most important thing. We played at a high level again.” On the team’s character he added: “100% this is something we want to build, as well as increasing the good stretches. Red Star has a good team and you will see it better when they get chemistry. It happens that you fall behind when you face such teams, but the reaction has value.” He added that ups and downs are expected with a new group and that the team is on the right path. Spanoulis emphasised that the reaction after trailing by double digits showed the desired mentality. He noted the team must now translate those competitive stretches into longer runs of control.
What are the next steps for the Aris squad?
Spanoulis indicated that the focus remains on daily improvement through video sessions and training. The team will continue to build chemistry ahead of the Greek league season. The coach stressed that the competitive showing against a EuroLeague side provides a useful benchmark, even though further defensive and offensive refinements are required. He said he is only interested in how the team improves through training and video and that he knows the basketball the group can play. The source records that he wants to increase the length of good stretches and build the reaction after falling behind. The next phase involves identifying the specific defensive lapses that allowed Red Star’s late surge and addressing them in practice. Spanoulis also wants the offence to maintain spacing and ball movement for longer periods rather than relying on individual bursts.
Frequently asked questions
Where was the game played?
The friendly took place in Belgrade, Serbia.
How many points did Dimitrijevic score?
Dimitrijevic finished with 16 points to lead Aris scorers.
Which Red Star player hit the decisive three-pointer?
Chima Moneke made a three-pointer from eight metres with under one minute remaining.
How many players scored in double figures for Aris?
Five Aris players reached double figures despite multiple absences.
What did Spanoulis say about his team’s character?
Spanoulis stated he was satisfied with the hardness and character shown by the players throughout the contest.
