Over the past 16 years, Greece A 1 Basketball League side Peristeri GS had not competed in the semifinals of the playoffs until this season.
Led by Ghanaian Forward Ben Bentil, the Athens based side progressed to the second round of the postseason after getting past Ifestos in the first round.
Peristeri beat Ifestos 74-64 in Game 3 to qualify with Bentil delivering a 16 point, 10 rebounds double double as a starter for the first time in the series.
As a spark plug off the bench for most of the season, Bentil’s insertion in the starting unit was a major boost for Peristeri who benefitted from a pair of assists and steals from the former Dallas Mavericks man.
Persiteri has a slight edge over its next opponent Panathinaikos who qualified without touching the ball due to Olympiakos’ forfeiture and subsequent relegation from the league.
It is likely the power house club will have difficulties shaking off rust after a long period of inactivity and that works in favour of Peristeri.
Bentil is playing in his first postseason since turning pro in 2016. He scored 14 and 16 points respectively in Games One and Two.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
