Match overview

AEK Larnaca set the tempo early and finished with 99 points, but Tartu Ulikool stayed within striking distance for long stretches. The first quarter ended 24-21 in AEK’s favor, and the teams went into halftime level at 49-49 after Tartu closed the second period with a flurry of perimeter shots. AEK regained control with a 27-22 third quarter before sealing the result with a calm final five minutes.

The game featured several lead changes and very little separation until the last three minutes. Tartu’s three-point shooting kept the Estonian side in touch, while AEK’s ability to score inside and draw fouls gave the hosts a steady advantage as the clock wound down.

Key moments

• AEK opened the second half with a 10-2 run, forcing Tartu into two quick turnovers and taking a 59-51 lead.
• Tartu responded with back-to-back three-pointers to cut the deficit to 84-82 with under four minutes remaining.
• AEK answered with an 8-0 burst, capped by a fast-break layup, to create the breathing room they needed.
• Late free throws from the home side kept Tartu from completing a final comeback in the last minute.

Tactical story

AEK Larnaca leaned heavily on pick-and-roll actions and second-chance points. Their guards consistently turned the corner and attacked the paint, drawing help defenders and opening shooting space on the perimeter. When Tartu switched to a zone in the second quarter, AEK adjusted by using high-low entries and offensive rebounds to keep the possession alive.

Tartu Ulikool’s best moments came in transition and from beyond the arc. The visitors moved the ball well and punished AEK whenever the defense collapsed too far inside, but they struggled to contain AEK’s dribble penetration in the fourth quarter. The rebounding battle also tilted toward the hosts in the closing stages, limiting Tartu’s chances to extend possessions.

Standout players

AEK guard Nikos Christodoulou led the home side with 24 points and seven assists, repeatedly finding seams in Tartu’s defense. Forward Andreas Georgiou added 18 points and 10 rebounds, giving AEK a physical presence on both ends. For Tartu, Rasmus Nurm scored 22 points and Martin Kask added 17, but their efforts were not enough to counter AEK’s late execution.

Season impact

The win gives AEK Larnaca early momentum in the FIBA Europe Cup group phase and reinforces their home-court value in a competition where point differential and head-to-head results can shape the standings. Tartu Ulikool leave with a competitive away performance but will need to tighten their late-game defense if they are to convert similar opportunities later in the campaign.