After a thrilling and exciting game that was decided in the final seconds, the Trachoni team defeated the Moufflons 90-85 in the Small Final to be crowned the Third Place Champions for this season of the Limassol Championship. Playing without pressure and with a relatively relaxed defensive approach, both teams put on a great show in the “consolation final,” with Christodoulos Sophocleous’s team ultimately securing the honorary third place.
The game at the 3rd Lyceum of Agios Ioannis was played in a pleasant atmosphere, free of high-stakes tension, and held the interest of the crowd until the end, as both contenders fiercely fought for the victory. The Moufflons got off to a better start, leading 22-13 at the end of the first quarter, while Trachoni managed to close the gap somewhat to trail 40-36 by halftime.
In the second half, the Moufflons again started stronger, building a lead of up to +12 (59-47) midway through the third quarter. However, the period ended with the lead reduced to just one point, 62-61. The game was essentially decided in the final minute, as Trachoni held a slim three-point lead (85-88) with about one minute left. Despite the Moufflons’ efforts to send the game into overtime, they were unable to do so, and two successful free throws by Kranopolski in the final seconds sealed the 85-90 victory for Trachoni.
Anatoly Kranopolski and Giannis Chatzimitsos were the top performers for the winners, scoring 29 and 25 points, respectively. For the Moufflons, Tyler Ferguson and Rihards Kronitis stood out with 27 and 21 points each. With this game, the season concluded for both teams, and they deserve warm congratulations for their very respectable performance and excellent sportsmanship on the courts of Limassol. We wish them a good rest and hope to have them back with us next season, even stronger!
