Aris: From the performance with Riga to the big test with Olympiacos
Vassilis Spanoulis' team prevailed over Riga Zeli with a score of 105-81 at Alexandrio, improved its EuroCup record to 6-1, and immediately turned its attention to the derby with Olympiacos for the Stoiximan GBL.
Aris left behind its first European defeat to Hapoel Jerusalem in the most emphatic way. Vassilis Spanoulis' team prevailed over Riga Zeli with a score of 105-81 at Alexandrio, improved its EuroCup record to 6-1, and immediately turned its attention to the derby with Olympiacos.
The image they want to maintain
The "yellow-blacks" laid the foundations for the victory from the first half, when they led 63-32. The difference reached as high as 39 points, with the last period becoming a formality.
Aris finished the game with 15/31 three-pointers and 25 assists for only nine turnovers, elements that reflected the speed and teamwork in their offensive game. Matt Morgan and Adam Mokoka each scored 19 points, while six players finished the match with double-digit points.
More than the final score, the performance showed that Aris has several solutions and can maintain a high pace without over-burdening its key players. This is particularly important given the upcoming schedule.
Next opponent Olympiacos
Attention now turns to the home match against Olympiacos, on Sunday (15/11, 17:30), for the 7th matchday of the Stoiximan GBL.
Aris has a 5-1 record in the championship and comes from five consecutive victories after the opening defeat in Karditsa. Against the "red-whites", they will face one of the most demanding tests of this season and will have the opportunity to confirm that they can play a leading role in big games as well.
Speed in ball movement, pressure in defense, and control of rebounds will be crucial. At the same time, the return of Morgan and Bocholidis expands Spanoulis' options at a time when proper roster management is essential.
Le Mans and PAOK follow
The derby with Olympiacos is just the beginning of a particularly difficult seven-day period. On November 18, Aris will host Le Mans for the EuroCup and three days later will face PAOK in Pylaia.
Within a week, therefore, the Thessaloniki team will play two big games for the GBL and a crucial European match. This is a period that will test the team's depth, endurance, and consistency.
Aris has had an excellent start in Greece and Europe. The games against Olympiacos, Le Mans, and PAOK will show if they can maintain the same momentum against opponents of a higher degree of difficulty.