Upper Darby, PA — The PGBL semifinal playoffs delivered two competitive matchups on Tuesday night at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, setting the stage for a championship showdown between Tune Squad and the Outlaws.
Outlaws 88, Warriors 62
The opening semifinal belonged to the Outlaws.
Facing a young and energetic Warriors squad, the Outlaws imposed their will early with disciplined team play and dominance on the boards. The pace and physicality quickly took their toll, as the Outlaws built a commanding 42–18 lead by halftime.
The onslaught continued after the break. Every attempt by the Warriors to close the gap was answered, as the Outlaws maintained control on both ends of the floor and steadily extended their advantage. The Warriors struggled to find consistent offense against a defense that stayed organized and aggressive throughout the night.
Lazaros Mackrides led all scorers with 26 points and was perfect from the free-throw line, going 4-for-4. The win sent the Outlaws confidently into the championship game.
Final Score: Outlaws 88, Warriors 62
Tune Squad 73, PAS Giannina 66
The night’s second semifinal featured a far tighter contest.
Tune Squad came out firing, racing to a 13–0 lead that forced PAS Giannina to regroup quickly. PAS Giannina responded with improved ball movement and defensive pressure, briefly disrupting Tune Squad’s rhythm. Their push brought the deficit down to just two points with five minutes remaining in the first half.
Tune Squad steadied themselves late in the half. Timely perimeter shooting restored control, and they entered halftime with a 40–27 advantage.
Veteran experience proved decisive in the second half. Strong ball control, particularly from Louie Karapanagiotidis, allowed Tune Squad to dictate the tempo and stretch the lead to as many as 18 points. PAS Giannina refused to go away, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities and cutting the lead to six in the final minute.
In the closing moments, Tune Squad’s composure and disciplined defense held firm. They closed out the game and secured their place in the championship.
Final Score: Tune Squad 73, PAS Giannina 66
With the semifinals complete, Tune Squad and the Outlaws now turn their focus to the PGBL championship, where experience and momentum will collide.