Cedi Osman scores 22 points as PAOK beat Udine 89-71 in first pre-season friendly in Italy

PAOK picked up an 89-71 win over Udine in their first pre-season friendly in Italy. Cedi Osman led all scorers with 22 points, Kyle Alexander added 14 points, while Naz Mitrou-Long and Hutchins each scored 13 points. Head coach Andrea Trinchieri used his full roster, giving minutes to multiple players and testing different lineups. The Greek side built a 26-point lead at 70-44 before Udine cut into the deficit in the final minutes. The result gives PAOK a positive start to their preparation period, but also leaves areas to improve. The most encouraging sign for PAOK was the balance in scoring. Four players reached double figures, showing that the team is not relying solely on one player. Osman provided the offensive spark, while Alexander worked well near the basket and Mitrou-Long and Hutchins helped stretch the floor. Trinchieri will not overreact to a pre-season score, but he will pay close attention to how the team managed the final stretch. The late lapses with bench players on the court are something to fix before the competitive season begins. Overall, this friendly was a useful first step for PAOK, and Osman’s 22-point display was an encouraging sign for the new campaign.