Panathinaikos got to the advantages, held the lead through the greatest part of the encounter to ultimately edge Unicaja Malaga78-73 at the OAKA indoor arena for THY Euroleague Top16 Game 3.
Panathinaikos had first say on the floor, Unicaja Malaga however, not allowing it to enjoy the advantages it mounted to for long. The clover led by 7-3 (1’25’’) and 14-9 (3’50’’) the Spanish always managing though to input an immediate response initially picking up the slack to a single point feeding the ball closer to the basket (14-13 at 4’50’’, 16-15 at 6’,18-17 at 8’). Panathinaikos’ answer came through Banks and Schortsanitis, duo getting down to business. Banks made sure to injure opposing team, aiding the Greens to sail ahead by 10 behind consecutive points of his. 25-21 (11’30’’)became 33-23 (14’04’’), Panathinaikos having enforced its pace but also making great use of long haul shots. But the Spaniards did exactly the same. By drilling three triples plus one two-pointer they managed to shift things on court actually getting to lead (33-34, 17’45’’). Banks stepped up once more to 36-34 (18’15’’) passing the torch to Maciulis, player to drain the trifecta to set half-time score 39-37.
Third quarter hosted teams going neck and neck. Panathinaikos led first (41-37, 20’20’’ and 42-39, 21’), Unicaja Malaga to tie (42-42, 21’45’’). The clover got its opponents within 4 points (48-44, 24’30’’)and then within 5 (53-48, 26’), the guests to come back on yet another occasion getting the score board reading 55-58 (29’06’’). Scenario failed to play out much different through fourth quarter, Unicaja Malaga winning offenses off gathered offensive boards (13 up to 35’ and 38 overall rebounds, across from Panathinaikos’ 31). Improved defense and rhythm control allowed the clover to lead once more. The entire stadium froze at 62-62 (34’24’’) formed through a Maciulis triple, as Diamantidis falling to the ground, twisted his leg and was carried to the bench. His teammates however, unraveled true passion. A pair of triples from Gist and Maciulis, the Lithuanian Forward winning the battle of the boards also, plus a pair of good free throws behind Ukic got the score to 73-64, 2’14’’ pending on the game clock; and the fans as always, creating an amazing atmosphere. The hosted team leaped to the opportunity to reduce its deficit (73-68), 1’30’’ to be played out on the floor, only to get even closer next Perovic and Simon going for 3-for-4 free throws (73-71, 39’30’’). Marcus Banks went 1-for-2 from the line to 74-71, 22’’ to go; then Mike Bramos also from the line got the score to 76-71 (39’49’’). Unicaja Malaga got back to 76-73, sending Banks to the line once more, 4’’6 to go; 78-73 to be formed; final game score of the eve.
Referees: Ryzhyk (UKR), Vojinovic (SRB), Mattioli (Ιταλία)
Quarters: 23-19, 39-37, 56-58, 78-73
Panathinaikos (Pedoulakis): Bramos 4, Maciulis 14, Kapono 7, Ukic 5, Lasme 7, Tsartsaris, Diamantidis 6, Gist 17, Banks 14, Schortsanitis 4
Unicaja Malaga (Repesa): Simon 11, Williams, Lima, Panko 11, Vidal 5, Urtasun 8, Calloway 14, Perovic 4, Vasquez 4, Zoric 11, Dragic 5
