PAOK B.C. edged AEK B.C. 65-62 in a tense, low-scoring Greek Basket League derby on 24 October 2026, relying on defense and late execution to secure the win. In a game where every possession felt heavy, PAOK made the bigger plays in the final three minutes and held AEK to a difficult final shot.

Match overview

Both teams came out with clear defensive intent. PAOK led 17-14 after the first quarter and 33-30 at halftime, but neither side could build a meaningful advantage. AEK’s half-court defense kept PAOK from finding easy looks, while PAOK’s physical interior defense made AEK work for every basket.

The third quarter remained a grind, with PAOK taking a 49-47 lead into the final period. The game was tied at 60-60 with just over two minutes remaining, setting up a finish that would be decided by rebounding, free throws, and one or two crucial shot-making moments.

Key moments

With the score tied at 60-60, PAOK grabbed a critical offensive rebound off a missed three-pointer and converted the second-chance opportunity to take a two-point lead. After an AEK turnover, PAOK added two free throws to make it 64-60. AEK answered with a quick basket to cut the deficit to two, but PAOK split a pair of free throws and then forced AEK into a contested three-pointer at the buzzer that missed.

The final possession summed up the night: AEK could not find a clean look against PAOK’s switching defense, and the home side secured the rebound to close out the win.

Tactical story

This was a classic defensive battle. PAOK prioritized protecting the paint and contesting three-point shooters, while AEK tried to slow the game down and attack through isolations. Neither team shot the ball well from beyond the arc, but PAOK’s 12 offensive rebounds gave it extra possessions that proved decisive.

AEK’s half-court offense became stagnant for long stretches in the second half. PAOK’s guards pressured the ball effectively and forced AEK into late-clock attempts. Offensively, PAOK was far from fluent, but it executed better in the final two minutes and made the defensive stops when it mattered most.

Standout performers

• Nikos Arvanitis (PAOK) led the home side with 17 points, including several tough baskets in the second half.
• Dimitris Kolovos (PAOK) finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the paint and providing crucial second-chance points.
• Vasilis Koumoulos (AEK) scored 15 points, but he had to work hard for every look.
• Ioannis Rallis (AEK) added 11 points and kept AEK competitive in the first half.

What the result means

For PAOK B.C., beating AEK B.C. in a derby is always significant, and doing it with defense makes the result even more satisfying. The win reinforces PAOK’s ability to win ugly when shots are not falling. AEK will be disappointed with its late-game execution and outside shooting. In a game decided by three points, the visitors’ missed opportunities from beyond the arc and a few costly turnovers were the difference.