Panathinaikos got a road win against Apollon Patras by 80-71, for BasketLeague OPAP game 24.
The Greens made sure to clarify matters on court from the first minutes after tip-off about who would be the boss on the floor by cashing in their theory superlative for a practical one. Apollon’s 4-0 behind 4-for-4 shots from the line by Grant was swiftly flexed to 4-10 (5’), combined efforts by Bramos, Lasme, Tsartsaris and Ukic and from then on Panathinaikos never looked back. The home team until 8’ had only scored from the charity line (6-18), only for Grant once more to make the first field goal for the hosts. First quarter rested at 15-23, clover newcomer Ramel Curry making his first appearance on court.
The American guard proved to be a great offensive aid to Panathinaikos in second quarter also. He passed the torch however to Stephane Lasme who by chipping in 8 back-to-back points led to 23-39 (18’), only for Sofoklis Schortsanitis to flex the score to 29-43 (19’) and Ukic to up the ante to a 16 point lead (29-45, 19’40’’).
No issues for the Greens in third quarter either, Curry still in the zone in offense, none of his teammates though to fall back in performance. Ukic, Lasme, Xanthopoulos and Bramos jogged the score to 41-57 (26’) and then to 43-61 (27’30’’).
Dimitris Diamantidis was the culprit to send the lead to a +17 advantage (51-68, 32’) behind a… four-pointer, Panathinaikos to head to ultimate prevalence behind final 80-71 versus Apollon in Patras, Argyris Pedoulakis to try out players and situations with his mind on the Greek League playoffs lying straight ahead. Let it be reminded that James Gist was sidelined and was not on the Panathinaikos delegation, having suffered an ankle sprain.
Referees: Karakatsounis, Psarianos, Theonas
Quarters: 15-23, 32-45, 49-64, 71-80
Apollon P. (Vetoulas): MacCollum 16, Argyropoulos 11, Grant 16, Thanopoulos 8, Lianos 6, Petrovic 5, Pelekoudas, Limperis, Kliber 3, Zafiris 2, Molfetas, Turner 4
Panathinaikos (Pedoulakis): Schortsanitis 6, Bramos 10, Curry 18 (3-for-3 twos, 4-for-6 threes, 3rb, 2st), Maciulis 3 (9rb, 3as, 2st), Ukic 7, Lasme 14, Tsartsaris 6 (5rb), Diamantidis 7 (5rb, 4as, 2st), Xanthopoulos 9, Giannopoulos
PHOTOS
