Vance's Valour Seals Showdown: Olympians Outlast Vipers 101-97 in Pro League Thriller!
Priya Vance Carries Athens in Nail-Biting Victory Over LA
By Alex Thompson
ATHENS – In a contest that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer, the Athens Olympians fended off a resilient Los Angeles Vipers squad, securing a crucial 101-97 victory at the Olympic Arena. The game was a seesaw battle, marked by clutch plays and dramatic momentum swings, with the Olympians ultimately finding the edge thanks to a stellar offensive performance.
The Vipers struck first, with Zara Ali making an early statement. However, the Olympians, fueled by a raucous home crowd, responded. Priya Vance quickly became the focal point for Athens, hitting a crucial three-pointer midway through the first quarter to shift the energy. Los Angeles fought back, however, with Léa Roux and Maya Jenkins providing a potent scoring punch to keep the game tight.
The second half saw both teams trade blows. Chloe Lee emerged as a vital secondary scorer for Athens, netting 21 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. The Vipers’ defense, led by multiple blocks from Isabella Cruz and Zara Ali, made things difficult, but Vance’s relentless attack kept the Olympians afloat. “We knew it was going to be a dogfight,” Vance stated post-game.
With minutes remaining, neither team could establish a significant lead. A key block from Hannah Park on a Vipers attempt and a subsequent field goal by Li Na helped Athens create separation. The Vipers, despite a valiant effort and strong free-throw shooting, couldn’t overcome the Olympians’ late surge. “This win shows our grit and determination,” commented Olympians coach Dimitris Papadopoulos. “We played for each other.”
Key Notes:
- Priya Vance led all scorers with 31 points for the Olympians.
- The Olympians’ bench contributed 35 points to the winning effort.
- Los Angeles Vipers shot an impressive 85% from the free-throw line.
- Rebounding was nearly even, with Vipers holding a slight edge 54-50.