Vikos Ioanninon Stoiximan GBL performance

The Vikos Falcons entered their fifth round of the Stoiximan GBL facing AEK at the Sideris Karadimas Indoor Hall in Ioannina. Following four consecutive losses, Coach Thanasis Giaples focused on team cohesion and performance consistency despite minor injury concerns. Guard Alec Freeman noted the need to reduce periods of inconsistent play, despite the team remaining competitive in recent away games.

Vikos Ioanninon subsequently secured its first victory in the league by defeating AEK with a score of 95-84. This win marked the first for the Ioannina-based team in the top tier of Greek basketball. The victory was driven by a strong performance in the paint, with the team recording 43 rebounds. Alec Freeman led the scoring for Vikos with 20 points, including five successful three-pointers. Other key contributors included Giannis Karakostas with 17 points and Ioannis Agravanis with 15 points. For AEK, Giannoulis Larentzakis led with 23 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals. AEK faced roster limitations, fielding only four foreign players, and encountered mid-game challenges including the disqualification of Greg Brown after five personal fouls and a foot injury to Frank Bartley in the fourth quarter. The win brought the Ioannina-based team to a 1-4 record, while AEK fell to 2-3.

Following this historic win, the Vikos Falcons faced PAOK in Thessaloniki. PAOK maintained an undefeated record with a 93-67 victory, marking a 6-0 start for the club. Vikos struggled to remain competitive, trailing 54-33 at halftime due to defensive challenges and low shooting percentages, despite efforts from Ioannis Agravanis and McNair.