Aris’s hunger for victory wasn’t enough to overcome the problems that occurred against Power Electronics Valencia, to which lost 64-71 (halftime score 34-37) at home,for the 1st leg of the Eurocup. The “yellows” had once more the unconditional support of theirs fans, but the absence of injured Richardson (he was on the bench, but couldn’t play at all), and the injuries of Miles and Kakiouzis, who had to play in spite of their problems, were too much to deal with against the strong Spanish side, which was aided by quite a few important errors made by the referees.

David Blatt’s team, which will have to win by 8 next Wednesday (31/03, 21:30) in Spain in order to qualify to the Final Four, was behind Power Electronics Valencia throughout the whole game tonight, with one exception: They led 9-8 thank to a three-pointer by Chatzivrettas, 4:11 before the end of the 1st quarter. However, the turnovers, the effective defense applied by the visitors and the mistaken decisions the officials took, didn’t let this happen again. Valencia led by 8 in the end of the 1st period, and although the “yellows” came quite close just before halftime (31-32 with 1:30 remaining) the second half was worse for them: The Spaniards started off with a 0-5 run (34-42) and their lead went as high a 10 points in minute 35 (50-60). Aris reacted and made it 58-62, with 1:46, but then Marinovic scored a three-pointer after committing a foul in offense that was never awarded. So, in the end, the 64-71 defeat was inevitable.

Referees: Guerrino Cerebuch (Italy), Milivoje Jovcic (Serbia), Matej Boltauzer (Slovenia).

Periods: 13-21, 34-37 (halftime), 48-53, 64-71.

ARIS (David Blatt): Clark 14 (1), Betts 8, Chatzivrettas 11 (1), Dikoudis (2), Paunic, Kakiouzis, Barlos 9 (2), Miles 2, Walsh 8 (1).

POWER ELECTRONICS VALENCIA (Neven Spahija): Perovic 4, Claver 2, Simeon, Lishchuk 7 (1), Marinovic 18 (4), Martinez 3, Pietrus 3, De Colo 12 (2), Kelati 8 (2), Nielsen 14.