PAOK made the first step toward qualifying for the Stoiximan GBL semifinals. PAOK defeated Peristeri Betsson 91–79 at the PAOK Sports Arena, took a 1–0 lead in the series, and now need one more win to advance to the “Final Four.” The next opportunity for PAOK comes this Wednesday (May 6) in Peristeri.
With two consecutive dunks by it's standout player Cleveland Melvin, PAOK took their first lead by seven (14–7). The margin grew to eight (18–10 in the 6th minute), before the first quarter ended with PAOK ahead 23–19.
Peristeri briefly took their first lead (27–28) early in the second quarter, but back-to-back three-pointers from Tyree, Persidis, and Fillios pushed PAOK back in front (34–30). The visitors cut it to one (38–37), but PAOK closed the first half with a seven-point lead (48–41).
Peristeri opened the second half with a 2–14 run to go up 50–55 (25:30), but PAOK responded with a 10–0 run. A three-pointer by Dimsa made it 60–55 (28’), and PAOK ended the third quarter up by four (64–60).
Despite pressure from the visitors, PAOK maintained control. A three-pointer by Melvin extended the lead to 12 (79–67) midway through the fourth quarter, then to 13 (88–75), leaving no room for a comeback as PAOK secured the win.
Scoring by quarters: 23–19, 48–41, 64–60, 91–79
PAOK: Allen 10, Melvin 29 (4), Tyree 19 (1), Koniaris, Omoruyi, Persidis 8 (2), Fillios 7 (1), Moore 10, Dimsa 7 (1)
Peristeri Betsson: Nichols 32 (4), Cardenas 13, Van Tubbergen 7, Petrakis, Payne 11, Ittounas, Mouratos, Kaklamanakis 5, C.J. Harris 11, Papadakis, Carius, Giankovits