PAOK B.C. 87-78 Ratiopharm Ulm: Greek Side Grind Out Important Home Win
PAOK B.C. secured an 87-78 victory over Ratiopharm Ulm in EuroCup Basketball action on Thursday, October 22, 2026, using a composed second-half performance to hold off a stubborn visiting side. The win was built on defensive discipline, timely shot-making and a strong finish in the final minutes.
PAOK led 22-19 after the first quarter and stretched the advantage to 43-37 by halftime. Ulm remained within reach thanks to efficient inside scoring and a pair of quick transition baskets, but the Greek hosts always seemed to have an answer when the game threatened to tighten.
Game Flow: PAOK Absorb Ulm’s Run
The third quarter brought the night’s most anxious moment for the home crowd. Ulm opened the period with a 7-0 run to briefly take the lead, forcing PAOK to reset at both ends. The response was immediate: PAOK answered with an 8-0 surge of their own, regained control and finished the quarter ahead 66-57.
The final period was played at a slower pace, with PAOK protecting their advantage through smart possessions and free-throw shooting. Ulm pushed the tempo late but could not close the gap below seven points. The 87-78 final reflected PAOK’s ability to manage the clock and defend without fouling in the closing minutes.
Standout Performers
Dimitris Kalaitzakis led PAOK with 20 points and six assists, consistently breaking down Ulm’s defense in pick-and-roll situations. Marcus Reed added 16 points, while Nikos Chatzis contributed 12 points and eight rebounds. PAOK shot 48% from the field and committed only 11 turnovers, a key factor in their control of the game.
Ratiopharm Ulm were paced by Tobias Wagner’s 18 points and Jalen Brown’s 15, but the visitors struggled from the perimeter, making just 8 of 25 three-point attempts. Ulm’s 15 turnovers also proved costly, particularly in the third quarter when PAOK turned defensive stops into quick points.
EuroCup Outlook
The result gives PAOK B.C. a valuable home win in the EuroCup Basketball regular season and reinforces their reputation as a difficult opponent in Greece. Ratiopharm Ulm leave with positives from their competitive spell in the third quarter, but the German side will need more consistent outside shooting to turn close losses into wins. PAOK’s balanced scoring and late-game poise were the difference in an 87-78 contest that was closer than the final margin suggested for long stretches.

