AEK could get a wild card to the Euroleague
AEK shows capable of climbing as high as third in the Basket League, as its 16-point home win over third-placed Aris on Sunday confirmed it can challenge both Aris and PAOK to the first spot in the playoffs behind giants Panathinaikos and Olympiakos.
The historic Athens club, promoted last summer to the top flight, defeated Aris 93-77 at home to stake a claim at the third spot and make Euroleague supremo Jordi Bertomeu say that AEK could even secure a wild card to enter Europe’s top club competition. AEK played in the 1998 Euroleague final.
Olympiakos stayed alone on top after seeing off host Korivos Amaliadas 87-70 on Sunday, while Panathinaikos, in second, defeated relegated Panionios 79-46 at Nea Smyrni on Monday.
PAOK has now reclaimed the third spot from Aris thanks to its 68-46 defeat of Apollon Patron that appeared to have the April 5 Cup final with Panathinaikos in mind.
KAO Dramas has all but condemned Panelefsiniakos to relegation after defeating it 76-61. In other Saturday games AGO Rethymnou came from behind to see off Nea Kifissia 63-58 and Kolossos Rhodes beat host Trikala 94-87.
