Upper Darby, PA – Opening night of the PGBL, brought together the community for the twelfth season. Three games were played. The big 8 pm match featured the Revolution and PAS Giannina, two playoff teams from last year, who gave PGBL fans a great performance.
The two veteran teams did not disappoint, although they got off to a slow start only scoring 6 points between them in the first five minutes. Then, we got to see Vangelis Carabass of the Revolution lead his team against one of last year’s MVP Candidates, Evan Tsiklidis from PAS Giannina. Carabass took control of the tempo for the Revs, who jumped out to a 6 point lead by halftime, 20-14.
The second half picked up where the first ended, with the Revs. continuing to break down PAS Giannina. They switched to a man coverage on defense and worked the baseline on offense with some pick and rolls and good fundamental basketball.
This left PAS Giannina flat and helped the Revs. set up some long distance jumpers that opened up, that they stuck. Although PAS Giannina got within a couple of points late in the game, Vangeli Carabass’ five three-pointers for the Revs and his command of the floor were the difference. The Revolution ended up pulling away in the final two minutes and sealing their first victory.
Final Score: Revolution 45, PAS Giannina 38.