Panathinaikos defeats Vikos Falcons in Stoiximan GBL opener

Panathinaikos secured a decisive 103-74 victory against the newly promoted Vikos Falcons on October 4, 2026, during the opening round of the Stoiximan GBL. The match, held as the Ioannina-based club's historic debut in the top tier of Greek basketball, saw the home side establish dominance early and maintain control throughout the game. Five Panathinaikos players reached double-digit scoring, led by Mathias Lessort with 19 points, followed by Nigel Hayes-Davis (15), Dinos Mitoglou and Guerschon Yabusele (14 each), Sylvain Francisco (12), and Lefteris Mantzoukas (10).

Despite entering the contest following a semifinal loss in the Stoiximan Super Cup to PAOK, the team coached by Zeljko Obradovic has performed well in the EuroLeague with a 3-0 record. The roster for this match was depleted due to injuries and suspensions, with key absences including Kostas Sloukas, Juancho Hernangomez, Jerian Grant, and Kendrick Nunn. The win serves as an important domestic recovery for the team, while marking a significant milestone for the Epirus region, represented for the first time in the championship's history by the Vikos Falcons.