Triumph for Panellinios
Panellinios scored a resounding 96-69 win over Kiev in the second qualifying round of basketball’s Eurocup last night. The Greeks are thus taking a 27-point lead going in to the return leg, which will be held next Tuesday in Kiev, for a spot in the group stage of the Europe’s second-tier club competition. The Kypseli club dominated its Ukrainian visitors throughout the match, taking an 18-point lead at halftime (53-35) and stifled them in the end with its tight defense (11 steals) which forced as many as 17 turnovers on the part of Kiev. Aris and Maroussi have already qualified for the group stage of the Eurocup. Tonight sees the start of the third round of games for the Euroleague, with all three Greek teams playing away from home. Panionios will be visiting Efes Pilsen in Istanbul at 8.15 p.m. and Panathinaikos will be trying its luck in France against Nancy at 9 p.m. Then tomorrow evening, Olympiakos is facing Cibona in Zagreb at 7.30 p.m.
