AEK Larnaca Edge Dentacon Apoel Nicosia 83-79 in Tight Cypriot Clash

AEK Larnaca held off Dentacon Apoel Nicosia 83-79 in Cypriot Basketball Division A action on October 18, 2026, winning a tense contest that came down to the final two minutes. The home side led for much of the night but had to survive a late APOEL surge before sealing the result at the free-throw line.

The win gives AEK Larnaca local bragging rights and valuable momentum in the Cypriot Basketball Division A standings. Dentacon Apoel Nicosia, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities in a game they kept within reach until the closing possessions.

Match Overview

The first quarter was closely fought, with AEK Larnaca taking a 20-18 lead. APOEL responded in the second period, using aggressive drives and offensive rebounds to edge ahead briefly. AEK regained control before halftime and led 39-39? No — the score at the break was 39-39 after a balanced opening half.

AEK Larnaca created separation in the third quarter, outscoring APOEL 23-19 to take a 62-58 advantage into the final period. The fourth quarter turned into a possession-by-possession battle, with neither side able to pull away until the final minute.

Key Moments

With just under two minutes remaining, AEK Larnaca produced the game’s decisive run. A corner three-pointer and a fast-break layup pushed the lead to six, forcing APOEL to chase the game.

• AEK’s half-court defense forced two turnovers in the final 90 seconds.
• APOEL cut the deficit to two with a deep three, but AEK answered with calm free throws.
• A late offensive rebound allowed AEK to run out the clock and secure the 83-79 win.

Tactical Story

AEK Larnaca’s guards controlled the pace and did a good job of getting into the paint, which opened up kick-out opportunities for shooters. Defensively, AEK switched effectively on screens and limited APOEL’s clean looks from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter.

Dentacon Apoel Nicosia stayed competitive by attacking the offensive glass and scoring in transition. However, their half-court offense became too reliant on individual plays late in the game, and AEK’s disciplined help defense made those possessions difficult.

Standout Performers

AEK Larnaca guard Michalis Andreou led all scorers with 21 points and five assists, hitting several important shots in the second half. Forward Nikos Georgiou added 16 points and eight rebounds, while the bench provided timely defensive energy.

For Dentacon Apoel Nicosia, forward Andreas Christou scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Guard Giorgos Petrou added 15 points, but APOEL’s late turnovers proved costly in a game decided by small margins.

Season Impact

The result lifts AEK Larnaca in the Cypriot Basketball Division A table and reinforces their credentials in what is expected to be a competitive race. Dentacon Apoel Nicosia remain dangerous, but they will need to execute better in close games if they are to climb the standings.