Who won the Summer League?
Aris BC Retro captured the Summer League championship after a tight final 52-50 over unbeaten SYRMAK at the Basketball Airdome Skg. The win came in the last second, with the squad keeping composure in the clutch.
How did the final unfold?
The contest opened with a tie after the first quarter, while SYRMAK posted a high FG% in the paint. In the third quarter, Aris BC Retro opened the lead with three consecutive threes, moving the score to 38-35. In the final seconds, a decisive layup by Alexandros Papadopoulos (2 points) and a block by Giannis Konstantinou sealed the 52-50 result.
Why does this win matter for Aris BC?
The victory ends SYRMAK’s unbeaten streak, boosting team morale and proving head coach Nikos Manousakis’s scheme can hold under pressure. It also validates the "we over me" ethos the roster lives by.
What is the trophy dedication?
The cup bears the name Alkis Kampanos, a club symbol who recently passed away. The squad dedicated it with an emotional speech, noting his memory fuels defensive grit and offensive execution. The dedication deepens the family feeling surrounding Aris BC Retro.
What does this open for the season?
With the trophy secured, Aris BC Retro eyes higher stakes in the Georgian Basketball League. The team aims to translate the defensive intensity and fast‑pace of the final into upcoming games, while young players are tasked to sustain the 52‑point output.
Who were the key contributors?
Spyros Lappas logged 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals, while Niki Papaioannou added 8 assists and 3 steals. The Aris BC Retro defense, shooting 45% FG in the closing stretch, held SYRMAK to 50 points, preventing an equalizer.
How was the emotion felt in the arena?
Fans acted as a 12th man, chanting Alkis’s name on every possession. The arena brimmed with tears of pride, and the final buzzer left the crowd with a victory feeling that will linger.
What is the team’s message for the future?
"The story has just begun," coach Manousakis said, adding the squad will keep playing with "we over me". Commitment and solidarity remain the pillars of Aris BC Retro.