Upper Darby, PA – The PGBL semi-final playoffs featured two exciting matchups last night at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. In round one, the Warriors faced off against the Outlaws, and the 8 pm match featured Tune Squad vs. PAS Giannina.
The young Warriors were eclipsed last night by the Outlaws. The Outlaws played team ball and ran away with a 42 to 18 point lead at halftime. The Outlaws controlled the boards on both ends and caught the Warriors flat for most of the first half. The devasting onslaught continued through the first half. All attempts by the Warriors to close the gap failed, and the Outlaws secured the victory, advancing them to the championship game. Lazaros Mackrides led all scores with 26 points and was perfect from the line, 4-4.
Final Score: Outlaws 88, Warriors 62.
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The second semi-final matchup saw Tune Squad get out to a fast start over PAS Giannina with an early lead, 13-0. PAS Giannina’s offense fought back, and their defense managed to shut down the Squad briefly. They closed the gap and got within 2 points with five minutes left in the first half. But Tunesquad regrouped, and several late shots from the perimeter gave them a commanding lead at the end of the first half, 40 to 27.
The experience of the veteran players of Tune Squad and good ball control by Louie Karapanagiotidis allowed them to dominate much of the second half and expand their lead to 18 points. But PAS Giannina was relentless, as they came back again. They converted many of their offensive fast breaks which kept them in the game. The gap was closed again to within six points with less than a minute left. But it would not be enough. The Tune Squads ball control and smart defense came through. They held off PAS Giannina and advanced to the championship game. Final Score:
Tune Squad 73, PAS Giannina 66.