Panathinaikos Defeats AEK 78-56 in Preseason Friendly with Strong Performances

Panathinaikos defeated AEK 78-56 in their first official preseason friendly at the Kallithea indoor arena on Rhodes. Francisco led the scoring with 14 points while Giabousele contributed 8 points and Mantzoukas added 11. The game opened with the teams trading baskets to 13-12 before Francisco extended the lead to seven. AEK responded with free throws to close the first quarter at 22-17. Panathinaikos then used strong defense and efficient offense to build a 13-2 run and reach halftime at 42-29. The third quarter featured a three-pointer from 16-year-old Varvaritis and ended at 62-43. The final period maintained the twenty-point margin as Panathinaikos secured the 78-56 result. This report examines the quarter-by-quarter progression, individual contributions, and the final box score.

Panathinaikos Defeats AEK 78-56 in Preseason Friendly with Strong Performances

How did the first quarter unfold?

The opening period began with both teams staying close through the first several minutes, reaching 13-12. Francisco then took over offensively and pushed Panathinaikos ahead by seven points. AEK answered with a series of free throws from both sides and trimmed the deficit to five by the end of the quarter, finishing at 22-17.

What happened in the second quarter?

Panathinaikos opened the second quarter with strong defensive play and sound offensive decisions. The team produced a 13-2 run over the first five minutes to extend the lead to eleven. Baskets remained evenly distributed after that stretch and AEK could not close the gap meaningfully. The half ended with Panathinaikos ahead 42-29.

Which moments defined the third quarter?

Panathinaikos continued to score efficiently and prevented AEK from mounting a serious comeback. The standout play came when sixteen-year-old Varvaritis made a three-point basket and received applause from teammates and opponents alike. The period concluded with Panathinaikos holding its largest lead of the game at 62-43.

How did the fourth quarter finish?

The final ten minutes followed the same pattern. The margin stayed near twenty points throughout and Panathinaikos closed out the contest 78-56. Quarter scores were 22-17, 42-29, 62-43 and 78-56.

Who were the leading scorers for each team?

Panathinaikos totals: Kalaitzakis 4, Francisco 14, Moraitis 2, Bandio 9, Varvaritis 3, Grant 10, Lessor 6, Giabousele 8, Bonga 5, Hernangomez 2, Mitoglou 4, Mantzoukas 11. AEK totals: Pickney 4, Skordilis 4, Noley 7, Katsivelis 7, Larentzakis 2, Lekavicius 11, Joseph 8, Bartley 2, Tsalbouris 11.

Frequently asked questions

Where was the game played?

The match took place at the Kallithea indoor arena on the island of Rhodes as part of a preseason tournament.

Who coached Panathinaikos in this game?

Coach Obradovic led Panathinaikos for the contest.

Who coached AEK in this game?

Coach Sakota was at the helm for AEK.

What was the halftime score?

Panathinaikos led 42-29 at halftime.

Did any young players appear?

Sixteen-year-old Varvaritis scored three points including a three-pointer in the third quarter.

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