Upper Darby, PA — A dominant chapter in PGBL history came to a close Tuesday night.
The Kings, two-time defending champions and the league’s most frequent Finals participants, were eliminated in the quarterfinals by a hungry and younger Warriors squad that played with pace, confidence, and relentless perimeter shooting.
From the opening minutes, the game lived up to its billing. The two teams traded leads throughout the night, with momentum swinging back and forth in a fast-paced contest defined by scoring runs and three-point shooting. With identical regular-season records, only one team would move on, and neither was willing to blink.
Veteran leadership kept the Kings within reach. Bill Zonios and Chris Kourelias steadied the team during critical stretches, with Kourelias delivering a remarkable performance, scoring 41 of the Kings’ 85 points. Despite the effort, the Kings could not slow the Warriors’ offensive rhythm.
Youth ultimately won the night.
The Warriors were nearly unstoppable from beyond the arc, knocking down thirteen three-pointers and placing five players in double figures. They maintained constant pressure, never allowing the Kings to regain full control. Niko Papatsiaras was instrumental in the win, hitting shots from all areas of the floor and delivering in key moments. The Warriors’ fast-paced offense and precision shooting proved decisive.
The Kings’ championship run ends, and a new contender moves forward.
Final Score: Warriors 95, Kings 85
PAS Giannina 61, Revolution 45
Earlier in the evening, PAS Giannina advanced past the Revolution in the opening quarterfinal matchup.
League scoring leader Evan Tsiklidis set the tone, guiding PAS Giannina to a steady and controlled victory. The Revolution, one of the league’s oldest franchises, struggled to find rhythm throughout the night after finishing the regular season in sixth place. By halftime, they trailed by 11 points.
Any hopes of a second-half rally quickly faded. PAS Giannina continued to apply pressure, working the ball inside and exploiting defensive lapses. The Revolution’s outside shooting never found its mark, and missed opportunities compounded as the deficit grew.
As the game wore on, PAS Giannina remained composed and balanced. Last season’s championship runners-up looked focused and connected, showing the kind of teamwork that could carry them deep into the postseason.
Final Score: PAS Giannina 61, Revolution 45