In a different and emotional night Panathinaikos honored Zeljko Obradovic and edged Fenerbahce Ulker 76-67 at OAKA, getting the margin from the first round too (77-72).
Fenerbahce Ulker was the first team to get the lead in the game (6-14, 6'). Panathinaikos seemed to had a problem to get all the way to the basket. The Greens tried to close the gap (12-16), but Bjelica led to 12-19 (9'). Coach Alvertis used a different backcourt with both Diamantidis and Wright on the floor. It was obvious that it was a matter of time for Panathinaikos to find its rhythm. A five-meter jumper by Mike Batiste completed the Greens' comeback, 20-19. Wright ignited the crowd with a coast-to-coast layup which capped a 10-0 Panathinaikos run (22-19, 24'), only for Wright to lead to +3 (24-21). Onan with back to back three pointers gave the lead back to his team (24-25 and 27-28) and he was the one to make it a plus 3 game for the Turks ((29-32, 16'25''). Bramos, Wright and Mavrokefalidis made sure that the lead will remain green, while Diamantidis was there for a wild three-point play to fix the halftime score at 41-37.
Beside Mike Bramos and his three pointers (7/8 in total in the game), Fotsis was there to assist in every possible way. After the halftime, Fenerbahce Ulker came back with the lead (41-43, 22'). Panathinaikos was held scoreless for more than three minutes until Diamantidis stepped up with a rainbow triple. Bramos also struck from downtown to give the hosts some fresh air at 47-43. Preldzic kept the guests within 50-49. Diamantidis made free throws and Fotsis followed a layup-plus-foul with a buzzer-beating three-pointer that gave Panathinaikos a 58-49 margin.
Bramos sank his fifth three pointer in the game to make it a double digit game (61-49). He along with Diamanidis led the game to +15 (66-51, 33'20''). The margin remained at +15 (68-53, 34'30''). Fenerbahce Ulker tried to make its come back. The cut the lead to six points (68-62, 37'), but another three pointer by Mike Bramos led to 71-62 (37'20''). Jackson and Bjelica scored to make to a five points game (72-67, 39'). A huge block shot by Stephane Lasme and 4/4 free throws in crunch time by Diamantidis, allowed Panathinaikos to round out a perfect night, getting the tie-break advantage if both teams are tied at the end of the Top 16, with the final 76-67.
Referees: Garcia Ortiuz (Spain), Paternico (Italy), Latisevs (Latvia)
Quarters: 16-19, 41-37, 58-49, 76-67
Panathinaikos (Alvertis): Bramos 23 (7/8 3pt), Batiste 2 (7r), Fotsis 10 (9r), Ukic 8, Lasme 1, Mavrokefalidis 2, Diamantidis 15 (6r, 6a), Maciulis 5, Wright 10
Fenerbahce Ulker (Obradovic): McCalebb 6, Jackson 7, Onan 7, Bjelica 9, Mahmutoglu, Kleiza 9, Sekulic 2, Zoric 4, Bogdanovic 10, Preldzic 13
