Panathinaikos set a date with Barcelona at the THY Euroleague playoffs after tonight’s 63-69 final score at the OAKA indoor arena versus CSKA Moscow in Top16 game 14.
The fact that Argyris Pedoulakis was forced to request a time out at 1’40’’ in the game, says a great deal about the image both teams unraveled breaking away from tip-off. The hosted were the ones to have first say, reaching 0-8 (2’20’’). Panathinaikos picked up the trail (9-10, 7’45’’), tried to stay close at score (16-19, 13’30’’), but the Russians expanded the gap to double digits (16-26, 14’). The Greens are diehard if they are anything at all however. Especially when they have their diehard fans next to them, as they did this evening fans to boost them towards the win, to go the extra mile. Result was them to be able to close the gap (25-29, 16’28’’) and then to lead 34-32 (19’40’’) behind Mike Bramos, slightly prior to half time score 34-33.
The game next hosted both teams going neck and neck, one not being able to escape the other, the clover however presenting a much improved image, defense toughening up and sounding the horn towards easy baskets at the other end of the court. Panathinaikos got a mini +4 cushion game recommencing praise to a Jonas Maciulis three-point-play (37-33, 21’). CSKA tried to come back up, led (37-38, 22’55’’). The lead swapped hands many times down the stretch. Opponents tied (41-41 at 23’40, 45-45 at 26’48’’, 47-47 at 28’30’’), third quarter to rest 50-47 thanks to yet another Mike Bramos triple.
Panathinaikos stepped out in a positive manner for fourth quarter, led by 2 (54-52, 32’45’’), the Russians however to answer back with a small run to lead once more (54-58, 35’10’’). The gap was reduced praise to a Mike Bramos trifecta (57-58, 36’50’’), but the Russians came up ultimately as the dominators, rallying Panathinaikos in the clutch, final score at the OAKA arena 63-69.
Referees: Cerebuch (ITA), Perez (ESP), Vojinovic (SRB)
Quarters: 11-14, 34-32, 50-47, 63-69
Panathinaikos (Pedoulakis): Bramos 18 (4-out of-7, 5rb), Maciulis 5, Ukic 9 (5as), Lasme 11, Tsartsaris 6, Diamantidis (4st), Gist 6, Banks, Xanthopoulos, Schortsanitis 8
CSKA Moscow (Messina): Teodosic 9, Micov 7, Jackson 2, Krstic 9, Weems 8, Erceg 2, Kaun 11, Khryapa 13, Papaloukas 8
