The EUC Warriors secured their place in the Final-4 of the Gold Category last night with a victory over P&P, while at the same time Blue Cats and Nicosia Wizards claimed crucial away wins, setting up a dramatic final round battle for the remaining Silver Category playoff spots.
The European University Warriors lived up to expectations against P&P, earning an 87–66 win, completing a 2–0 sweep in their series and booking their ticket to the Gold Category Semifinals, where they will face PN99 (09/03, English School, 19:15).
Apostolos Memtsoudis’ team was clearly superior throughout the game, holding the lead from start to finish, capitalising on their numerical advantage (nine players available compared to just six for P&P) and deservedly sealing qualification for the semifinals.
In addition to the high level of difficulty of facing one of the title favourites, P&P were also without their leading scorer Konstantinos Selitas. Despite a spirited effort, they were unable to avoid defeat, bringing their Championship campaign to an end (though they still have Cup commitments).
Louis Michaelides led the Warriors in scoring with 18 points, followed by Michalis Savva and Haris Spyridou, who added 16 points each. For P&P, Panagiotis Koutousis stood out with 23 points, supported by Chris O’Quinn and Theodoros Chatzidimitriou with 16 and 13 points respectively.
A major away victory was also recorded by the Blue Cats in Agios Dometios, where they defeated the previously unbeaten EAK in the Second Phase with a 65–69 win. This marked their fifth victory in six Silver Category games, significantly boosting their chances of reaching the Final-4.
At present, the Blue Cats are level on points with the Nicosia Wizards, holding the head-to-head advantage. To secure qualification, they must defeat the UNIC Senior Eagles at home in the final round (with the Wizards facing the Old Bulldogs in Lakatamia). In the unlikely scenario of a three-way tie involving APOPAL, Blue Cats and Wizards, qualification would go to APOPAL and the Wizards, due to superior points difference in games among the three teams.
Aside from the opening minutes, the Blue Cats controlled the game, building a lead that reached +16 during the second quarter. Despite strong pressure from the hosts in the second half, they maintained their composure and held on for a hugely important road win.
Loukas Chatzigeorgiou delivered an outstanding performance for the winners with 23 points, while Panos Tzinieris added 14. For EAK, Giorgos Neofytou led the way with 23 points, supported by Giorgos Konstantinou with 17.
The Nicosia Wizards also secured a comfortable away win against the Splash Ballers, prevailing 57–69 and keeping their Final-4 hopes alive, although qualification is not entirely in their own hands.
To reach the Silver Final-4, the Wizards must defeat the already eliminated Old Bulldogs at home in the final round and hope the Blue Cats stumble against UNIC in Agios Dometios. Their alternative route to qualification involves a three-way tie scenario, which would require APOPAL to suffer two defeats in their remaining games (against KEP and EAK).
In last night’s game at Falcon, Giorgos Papadopoulos’ Wizards took the court at full strength and fully focused against the already eliminated Splash Ballers, imposing their rhythm early. By halftime, the “Wizards” had built a 17-point lead (37–20), turning the second half into a formality and sealing their third Second-Phase victory with the final score of 57–69.
Angelos Michaelidis and Sotiris Christodoulou were named co-MVPs for the Wizards, scoring 23 and 20 points respectively. For the Splash Ballers, Andreas Iakovou and Michalis Stylianou stood out with 18 points each.
