It was a historical night which begun and finished with the best possible way. Everyone deified the legendary Bane Prelevic while witnessing an amazing win of PAOK mateco against AEK with 78-72, in a crowded stadium.

More than 8.000 people were living unique moments at PAOK Sports Arena on a Saturday night. Everyone was thrilled by the jersey retirement of Bane Prelevic, but also the great win that keeps our team alive in the battle of the fourth place in standings.

Jaylen Hands was the main character and the top scorer of PAOK mateco. The American guard collected 23 points while he also contributed in the individual score of 26-17 and by that our team managed to win the game in the fourth quarter. Some minutes before the end of the game, Nate Renfro made a huge effort with his pivotal defensive skills and locked the victory.

In the first quarter, PAOK mateco was in charge while was ahead with 23-18 and kept the same rhythm in halftime with 40-39. In the third quarter, the game got a little bit different for the hosts. Kenny Williams created some important problems in PAOK mateco defense, so that AEK could be on top with a 9-point difference (44-53), but in the end of the quarter our team was only a three-pointer behind (52-55). In the fourth quarter, Yannick Franke created a tie: 55-55 and Jalen Riley was the one who gave solutions too, having as a weapon the whole fan’s energy. And just like that, the game’s profile changed and PAOK was well on its way to victory!

Quarters: 23-18, 40-39, 52-55, 78-72

PAOK mateco: Franke 8 (2), Riley 15 (2), Tsiakmas, Hands 23(2), Margaritis 3, Polley 6 (2), Sibert 5 (1), Kaklamanakis 4, Kamperidis, Renfro 14.

AEK: Lemar 10 (1), Koniaris 2, Xanthopoulos 2, Flionis 4, Oriola 9 (1), Jankovic 8, Miles 2, Madsen, Papadakis, Williams 20 (4), Mitchell 15 (1).