AEK survives Aris comeback in 102-99 thriller, advances to GBL semifinals vs Olympiacos

Game Summary

AEK Athens won a heart-stopping Game 3 over Aris Thessaloniki, 102-99, on Sunday at the SUNEL Arena, clinching their GBL quarterfinal series 2-1. The victory secures a semifinal matchup against top-seeded Olympiacos, who finished the regular season undefeated and are the reigning EuroLeague champions. The game featured multiple lead changes, a brief injury scare, and a frantic final minute.

First Half: AEK Builds Early Lead

AEK started strong, jumping to a 16-11 lead behind the hot shooting of Flionis and interior play of Fizel. The hosts extended the margin to 32-22 late in the first quarter before Aris trimmed it to 32-25 at the buzzer. In the second, Aris charged back, tying the game at 40-40 on a Mitrou-Long three-pointer, but AEK responded with a run of their own to take a 52-46 halftime advantage. Fizel left the game just before halftime with an apparent leg injury and did not return, a concern for the upcoming series.

Second Half: Aris Refuses to Fade

The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with AEK maintaining a 76-68 edge entering the final period. Aris, led by Mitrou-Long (23 points) and Noua (21 points), relentlessly cut into the deficit. In the fourth, Kulboka and Jones hit big shots to bring Aris within two possessions, and Harrell's free throws leveled the score at 91-91 with under four minutes to play.

Clutch Moments Seal It

AEK found answers from veteran James Nunnally, who scored 12 points, and a crucial three-pointer from Charalampopoulos to push the lead to 100-97. After Aris pulled within one, a critical turnover by Harrell—stepping on the sideline with three seconds left—and a pair of free throws by Gray iced the victory.

Statistical Leaders

AEK was paced by Frank Bartley's 16 points and balanced scoring from Brown (14), Gray (14), Flionis (12), Nunnally (12), and Lecavicius (12). For Aris, Naz Mitrou-Long poured in 23, Amine Noua added 21, and Codi Jones contributed 14 points and 9 assists. Both teams combined for over 70 free throw attempts in a physical contest that lasted nearly two and a half hours.

What's Next

AEK now faces a daunting semifinal series against Olympiacos, beginning Thursday, May 28 at 20:15 at the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF) in Piraeus. The series is best-of-three, with Olympiacos holding home-court advantage. The winner advances to the GBL Finals.