Aris routs AEK 88-58 for first Stoiximan GBL win as Matt Morgan scores 25

A sharp start for Aris

Aris beat AEK 88-58 on Saturday evening in Thessaloniki, in the second round of the Stoiximan GBL. Greek outlets reported a sold-out Nick Galis Hall, where the crowd cheered the home side throughout the game. The hosts moved ahead 10-2 inside three minutes, with Jeremiah Robinson-Earl scoring on three two-pointers early on. AEK needed almost four minutes to score after its opening basket, and the first quarter ended 23-10 in Aris's favour, with Robinson-Earl contributing 11 of those points. Aris's defence, pressing the ball and setting traps across the floor, was the main reason for the start.

Second quarter and halftime

Matt Morgan took over in the second quarter, carrying the attack with seven points early in the period as Aris reached 30-13 in the 13th minute. Toma Ertel kept AEK in touch with two threes for 30-16, but the visitors struggled to create good shots and were repeatedly caught in pick-and-roll situations. Aris passed the 20-point margin at 38-16 in the 16th minute and led 39-17 two minutes later. The half closed with Aris ahead 42-21 after Pinkney, Tsalbouris and Morgan traded baskets in the final seconds.

Third quarter and the final margin

The third quarter pushed the margin to 29 points at 64-35, with AEK unable to put together a sustained response. Tolios hit a three to make it 50-24 in the 24th minute. Kostas Antetokounmpo picked up his fifth foul and left the floor, while his brother Thanasis came off the bench to add energy for Aris. Morgan hit another three to take the lead to 31 points at 77-46, and the game finished 88-58. Aris had 21 of 39 two-pointers, 11 of 30 threes, 11 of 16 free throws, 45 rebounds, 22 assists, 10 turnovers, 10 steals and six blocks. AEK made 13 of 35 two-pointers and 3 of 22 threes, with 23 of 31 free throws, 37 rebounds, 13 assists, 16 turnovers and four steals.

Individual performances

Morgan led Aris with 25 points, hitting six of nine threes in 21 minutes and 43 seconds on the floor, and added two rebounds. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl scored 15 points with six rebounds, while Kostas Antetokounmpo had 10 points and three rebounds before fouling out. Dimitrijevic added eight assists for Aris. For AEK, Joseph scored 20 points on 6 of 8 two-pointers and 8 of 14 free throws, with four rebounds in 30 minutes. Ertel had eight points, five rebounds and five assists. The officials were Karpanos, Tiganis and Christinakis.

Other results and next fixtures

Aris hosts Marousi in round three on 17 October at 17:30. AEK hosts Mykonos Betsson at Sunel Arena on the same day at 15:00. Elsewhere in round two, Karditsa beat Vikos Falcons 85-74 to stay unbeaten, and Peristeri came back from 17 points down to beat Iraklis in overtime. Mykonos earned its first league win, while PAOK beat Doxa Lefkada 86-73 in an empty arena because of a punishment, its first 2-0 start since the 2013-14 season.