The unbeaten “Queen” survived a tough battle at GOPASS Arena of Bratislava, edging Patrioti Levice 71-69 for the Group F, Round 3 game of BCL.

AEK struggled on the day and trailed by 3 points (67-64) with 2:35 remaining. However, the team responded with a 7-0 run to take the lead (67-71). Kivimaki made it 69-71 at 39:26, which would remain the final score, as he missed a three-pointer with just 4 seconds left.

Despite fatigue, AEK showed their determination on defense and secured their third win in as many BCL games.

AEK also faced the misfortune of playing without Dimitris Katsivelis, who felt discomfort in his back before the game and was ruled out.

Next up for Dragan Šakota’s team is a Stoiximan GBL clash against Peristeri on Saturday (01/11, 16:00) at the “Andreas Papandreou” Indoor Hall for the 5th round.

Quarters: 17-19, 36-38, 51-56, 69-71

Referees: Gedvilas (LTU), Castillo (ESP), Marques (POR)

Patrioti Levice (Madzin): McGill 20, Pazicky, Wesson 14, Dorsey 7, Kivimaki 10, Bojanovski 8, Chaban, Karius 7, Solcansky, Krajkovic, Mawein 3.

AEK (Šakota): Gray 16 (8 rebounds), Skordilis, Flionis (3 assists), Lekavicius 10, Arsenopoulos 2, Kuzminskas, Bartley 21 (3), Arms 3 (1), Silva 13 (14 rebounds), Charalampopoulos 6 (2).