After a thrilling battle in Agios Dometios, First Shoot APOPAL snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against the UNIC Senior Eagles, completing an incredible comeback in the final seconds to win 52–53 and move one step closer to the Silver Category Grand Final.
In a match with a truly Hitchcock-style ending, the Alumni produced a remarkable turnaround. Trailing by five points with just 30 seconds remaining, they somehow managed to flip the game around and claim the priceless win and qualification for the Grand Final on March 18.
The first Silver Category semifinal featured constant momentum swings, with neither team able to create a decisive lead and the advantage changing hands seven times. Both sides showed great determination to secure the coveted win, ultimately settling their differences in the smallest of margins.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Antonis Assiikkalis’ team led 36–44 (+8) and appeared to have control of the game. However, Giorgos Teoulidis’ side had other plans. With an impressive 16–3 run, they turned the game around and took a 52–47 lead with just half a minute remaining.
Just when it seemed that the “Eagles” would secure the win, Andreas Fotiou turned the final seconds into a one-man show for the visitors. First, he drained a three-pointer, and moments later completed a three-point play (basket and foul), becoming the hero of the night and giving APOPAL the dramatic 52–53 victory.
Beyond the decisive six-point burst at the end, Fotiou was also the MVP of the game, finishing with 20 points, supported by Kyriakos Pelekanos with 12 and Petros Fotiou with 11. For the hosts, Giorgos Teoulidis and Alekos Papadopoulos stood out with 13 points each.
First Shoot APOPAL will learn their Grand Final opponent tomorrow evening, following the second semifinal between EAK and the Blue Cats. For the UNIC Senior Eagles, last night’s game marked the end of their campaign in this year’s Winter Championship. We warmly thank them for another year of excellent cooperation and look forward to seeing them back again next season.
