The Blue Cats of Agios Dometios secured their 8th win of the season last night, having to go through a real battle before finally overcoming the very competitive ETHA Court Queens with a 57–65 victory, maintaining both their unbeaten record and their lead at the top of the standings.
The game at the Makedonitissa Gymnasium, which was broadcast live on our page, turned into a nerve-wracking thriller, as until the very final moments it was impossible to predict the eventual winner. Throughout the contest, the two teams moved in lockstep, with neither able to build a safe lead.
Indicative of the absolute balance between the two sides was the fact that the lead changed hands five times, the score was tied on nine occasions, and the largest lead by either team was the +8 enjoyed by the visitors, which came only in the final minute when the outcome had already been decided.
In the opening quarter, the visitors took a small +4 lead (16–20), which disappeared by halftime as the hosts leveled the score at 36–36. A similar pattern followed in the third period, with Michalis Zakos’ team holding a narrow 49–47 advantage at its conclusion.
The game continued point by point, with the “Queens” even holding a slight 55–51 lead about four minutes from the end. Three made free throws by Athina Papagianni (one for a technical foul and two following a personal foul) brought the Blue Cats within striking distance. Moments later, three crucial baskets by Koniali, Koukkouli, and Panagidou pushed the champions into a +5 lead (55–60).
The hosts’ attempts at a comeback fell short, as all their late efforts rattled off the rim. Lefeuvre cut the margin back to –5 (57–62) with one minute remaining, but a dagger three-pointer by Elena Ignatiou put an end to any remaining hopes for ETHA, sealing the win for the “Cats.”
Standout performers for the winners were Elena Ignatiou and Athina Papagianni, who scored 20 and 17 points respectively. For ETHA, Ingrid Akathiotou led the way with 25 points, followed by Sixtine Lefeuvre with 10.
