Panathinaikos AKTOR fell short in Vitoria, losing to Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (91-77) in Round 22 of the EuroLeague. Cedi Osman led the Greens with 16 points.
Panathinaikos AKTOR struggled offensively in the opening minutes, allowing Baskonia to take an early lead (13-6, 6'). By the end of the first quarter, the home team had extended their advantage to 10 points (22-12), but the Greens responded quickly and narrowed the gap.
By the 12th minute, the margin was reduced to just two points (22-20), despite poor three-point shooting. Later, the score was tied (32-32, 17'), but a brief lapse in focus enabled Baskonia to rebuild a double-digit lead (48-38, halftime).
In the third quarter, Panathinaikos AKTOR improved on both ends and got within two points (53-51, 26'). However, Baskonia capitalized on their perimeter shooting to restore a double-digit lead (62-51, 28') and maintained it into the fourth quarter.
A mini-run by Panathinaikos reduced the deficit to six points (73-67, 33'), but the comeback attempt fell short. Baskonia secured the victory at the Fernando Buesa Arena.
QUARTERS: 22-13, 48-38, 70-57, 91-77.
BASKONIA VITORIA-GASTEIZ (Laso): Howard 1, Luwawu-Cabarrot 20 (3), Jaramaz, Forrest 12 (1), Rogkavopoulos 7 (1), Diop 2, Baldwin 15 (2), Hall 11, Moneke 18 (2), Šamanić 5 (1).
PANATHINAIKOS AKTOR (Ataman): Kalaitzakis 9 (1), Brown 12 (1), Sloukas 1, Osman 16 (3), Papapetrou 4, Grant 3 (1), Nunn 7 (1), Gabriel 5, Hernangómez 6, Yurtseven 14.
Ataman: "We made too many mistakes"
Following the match against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz at the Fernando Buesa Arena, Ergin Ataman stated:
"We started the game with too many mistakes. This was the worst way to begin an away game. We handed control to Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, giving them confidence, and we couldn't find our rhythm, especially offensively, throughout the first half. Our errors allowed them to score on fast breaks.
At halftime, I spoke to the players in the locker room about the situation and asked why our energy was so much lower compared to previous games. The players told me they were very tired.
In the second half, we played with more energy and greater intensity. We fought hard in the final quarter, with Kostas Sloukas and Cedi Osman putting in great effort. However, we missed some crucial shots.
Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz played very well, hitting some tough shots, particularly through Nikos Rogkavopoulos. Overall, they were better than us and deserved the win. Congratulations to Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on their victory.
They gained momentum early in the game and played with more energy than we did. They are a good team. They’ve had several close losses, such as against Olympiacos. Especially at home, they play aggressive and high-quality basketball.
The only thing I can comment on is the schedule. Playing away in a double-round week on Wednesday and Friday leaves no time for rest. Meanwhile, the opposing team, playing at home, had games on Tuesday and Friday. I believe the EuroLeague needs to address this in the future.
When my players tell me they are tired, I have to accept it. The situation was unfair for the two teams. It happened to us this time, but it might happen to other teams in the future."
Regarding the incident in the first-round game after the serious injury to Mathias Lessort, Ataman added:
"That night, I posted on my Instagram profile that it was an incredible gesture from the players. It was something beyond basketball, and I deeply appreciate it. Similarly, I appreciated how the game was stopped for about 20 minutes to calm the crowd, as many fans were unwell. On the court, you can fight and compete, and the fans can cheer loudly, but what happened in Athens was truly remarkable for sportsmanship."
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