They grabbed the first spot in the final by beating APOEL Perestroika 85-76 in the first semi-final. AEL aims for their 10th title on Sunday.
The match was exciting, especially in the first three periods. In the crucial fourth period, AEL shined on both offense and defense, taking the lead that secured their win.
At halftime, APOEL was ahead 46-45, with Tate shining for AEL (25 points – 27 efficiency).
The game kicked off with APOEL jumping to a 15-2 lead, dominating early on.
AEL struggled at first but found their groove and contained Whyte, APOEL’s main scorer. They chipped away at the lead and matched APOEL’s 15-2 run, tying it at 17-17 before ending the first quarter down 20-19.
Early in the second period, AEL took their first lead at 21-20.
The pace slowed down compared to the first period. As time went on, Limassol’s team held a slight edge, though APOEL briefly led 34-33 just before the 35th minute.
AEL then went on an 8-2 run to lead 41-36, with Flowers stepping up for Limassol. However, APOEL answered back with a 6-0 run to go ahead 42-41.
The lead switched back and forth until halftime when APOEL led 46-45 at the break.
APOEL opened the third period with a 7-0 run and quickly led 53-45 shortly after the 24th minute.
The pace stayed slow overall. By the 25th minute, APOEL was up 55-47. This slower pace worked in APOEL’s favor until AEL cut it to three points (57-54) just before the 28th minute.
In the closing moments of the third period, both teams made careful plays. At the end of this period, they were tied at 61-61.
This set up an exciting fourth period!
At the start of the fourth period, AEL led 70-66 shortly after the 33rd minute. Just before the 35th minute, Limassol’s team stretched their lead to +7 at 75-68. Soon after, AEL pushed it to +10 at 78-68.
With just 37 minutes gone, AEL was close to securing their spot in the final.
AEL pretty much sealed their win when they led 83-68 just before the 38th minute. The final score was 85-76.
Quarter Scores: 19-20, 45-46, 61-61, 85-76.
TRIA EKA AEL (Kalia Papadopoulou): Clark 14 (1), Markou 7 (1), Tate 25 (3), Flowers 20, Taylor 15, Armakolas 2, Moniatis, Georgiou 2, Watts
APOEL Perestroika (Nicolas Papadopoulos): Goudelock 10 (2), Whyte 23 (2), Pointer 9 (1), Funderburg 18 (3), Mantovanis 2, Mythillos 3 (1), Ch’Kostas, Koilaras 5 (1), Papamichael 6 (1).
