By George Georgakopoulos

Olympiakos is now alone on top of the Basket League, after Panionios suffered a shock loss at thome to AGO Rethymnou that also cost the job to its coach.

The Reds had absolutely no problem in thrashing bottom club Kavala 113-62 at home on Monday, with coach Giorgos Bartzokas resting his top-pick players to such an extent as to use Vassilis Spanoulis for no more than five minutes.

Panionios is now one point behind Olympiakos as Rethymno, in fourth, produced a commanding performance at Nea Smyrni to win 86-70 on Sunday, forcing the dismissal of Panionios coach Thanasis Skourtopoulos. The record of two losses in as many Eurocup games for Panionios to date did not help the Greek coach's case either.

KAO Dramas gave third-placed Panathinaikos a good run for its money, but the Athens giant emerged victorious in the end with a 63-60 score at Drama.

PAOK now forms part of the top five after defeating visiting Kolossos Rhodes 68-63, Ikaros Kallitheas saw off Peristeri 66-55 at home. Promoted Panelefsiniakos beat Ilisiakos at Peristeri on Sunday, with the Zografou club announcing on Monday the hiring of coach Giorgos Zevgolis.

In the other Monday match, Apollon Patras defeated Aris 64-53 to move clear of the relegation zone.