GRE – Aris try to put thrashing by Pana behind them

THESSALONIKI (Ethniki A1) - Aris Thessaloniki dreamed of springing an upset against Panathinaikos over the weekend in Athens but didn't come close, falling 93-62.

Pana stormed into a 30-16 lead by the end of the first quarter and blew away the visitors while improving to 8-0.

“It was a difficult afternoon for us," Aris coach Sharon Drucker said after his side’s fourth defeat in eight league games.

"We did not have the energy we wanted.

"I told my players that we have to come out different on the court if we want to look into the eyes the opponent.

"In the last 12 to 13 minutes we started to play as we should.

"We can learn a lot from the game."

Drucker believes his players are tired.

"We play two games a week and for that reason, there is fatigue,” he said.

"We could play better.

Now Aris must shift gears and play in an important Eurocup game in Ukraine against Azovmash.

“We are expecting a tough game in Ukraine," Drucker said.

"It’s in our hands to try to secure the first place and to qualify for the next round of Eurocup.

"It’s our first goal and we'll try to achieve it.”

Aris are top of Eurocup Group D with a 3-1 record.

Azovmash and Cedevita Zagreb are each 2-2 and Hapoel Gilboa 1-3.

Panellinios, who reached the last four of the EuroCup in the 2009-10 season, are 2-2 in Group E going into their home game against Benetton Cantu.

PAOK BC are 2-2 in Group F as they host Asefa Estudiantes.

Olympiacos (7-0) will play their eighth round game at Ilysiakos on December 16.

The game was moved to accommodate the Reds as they travel to Belgium to take on Spirou Charleroi in the Euroleague for a Monday night game.

FIBA