The focus keyword for this exhilarating matchup is AEL. In a nail-biting contest, TRIA EKA AEL emerged victorious at home against Anorthosis, clinching an 84-82 win in the 8th round of the ECOMMBX Basket League. This victory marked AEL’s sixth win, while Anorthosis remains at three victories.
Anorthosis started strong with a quick six-point run, courtesy of a basket from Atem and two from Hawkins, taking an early lead. AEL responded with a three-pointer from Flowers and a two-pointer from Markou, narrowing the gap to 5-6. By the 6th minute, AEL had taken the lead for the first time, following baskets from Barthelemy and Myles to make it 13-12. However, Anorthosis countered and by the 9th minute had stretched their lead to seven points at 17-24 after a layup from Hinds. The first quarter ended with Hawkins scoring in the dying seconds to set the score at 21-26.
As the second quarter unfolded, AEL took control, going on a seven-point run capped by a basket from Flowers, which put them ahead at 33-30. By the 19th minute, AEL had built a nine-point lead with Taylor’s two-pointer, bringing the score to 43-34. The teams exchanged three-pointers to close the half, with Anorthosis’s Atem and Hawkins sinking shots alongside AEL’s Armakolas, ending the first half at 46-40.
The third quarter saw AEL maintain their momentum, extending their lead to ten points with a layup from Barthelemy, pushing the score to 54-44. They held on to this lead, finishing the period at 68-58 after a basket from Christensen just before the buzzer.
As the final quarter began, Anorthosis surged back with a six-point run, reducing AEL’s advantage to 68-64 thanks to Maragkos. AEL’s Taylor responded to re-establish a six-point cushion at 70-64. Yet, Anorthosis was not done, launching a ten-point scoring spree to take the lead at 70-74 with two free throws from Eleftheriou.
In a tense final two minutes, AEL fought back to equalise at 76-76 through Barthelemy. The lead changed hands again when Muosa put Anorthosis ahead at 78-80. AEL’s Myles responded with a three-pointer to regain the lead at 81-80, but Atem quickly reclaimed it for Anorthosis at 81-82. The climax came with a game-winning three from Flowers, sealing the victory for AEL at 84-82 after Atem’s last-second shot missed.
Throughout the match, standout performances included Myles, who scored a remarkable 31 points for AEL, while Barthelemy added 19. For Anorthosis, Hawkins led with 18 points, supported by Atem’s 18 and Hinds’ 11.
The final score reflected a closely contested game, with AEL showing resilience to secure the win despite Anorthosis’s late surge. With this victory, AEL solidifies its position in the league, while Anorthosis will be looking to regroup in their upcoming fixtures.
