By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Everyone expected an easy win for Partizan Mozzart Bet, but the Serbs had to work and ultimately got the close 83-81 win over depleted Panathinaikos.
It was a close call, however, Zeljko Obradovic‘s team prevailed thanks to a big shot by James Nunnally and with the sixth spot in the final standings will face Real Madrid in the playoffs.
Mateusz Ponitka had the chance to win the game at the buzzer for Panathinaikos with a three and his shot didn’t go in.
Panathinaikos gave more than a fight, entering the last period leading by eight (66-58) despite being already eliminated.
Partizan finally got the lead in the last minutes, entering the last 120 seconds of the game leading by three (80-70), and Nunnally‘s shot who had in total just five points saved the day.
Dante Exum with 18 points was the top scorer of the winning side, Kevin Punter had 17 points and Alexa Avramonic added 14.
“Sometimes you just have to pull it out of the bag and find a way to win”, admitted Exum for the final test of the regular season. “I’m just proud of the team – to win 20 games this season is an unbelievable achievement. We found some extra motivation in the second half. It’s only going to get harder from here, but the fans will give us the energy we need”.
For Panathinaikos, Dwayne Bacon scored 19 points and Ponitka had 12.
“We played very well for almost the full 40 minutes, but in the end, we lost because we had two good shot selections and we didn’t take them”, added Panathinaikos coach Christos Serelis.
“No one can take away our dream of reaching the Final Four”
With a total of 302.302 tickets sold during the regular season – a new EuroLeague record – and 20.017 fans for the last game, Partizan coach Zeljko Obradovic had to give them credit: “I want to thank the fans for another incredible night. Panathinaikos played a very good game and we were only able to win because finally and, at long last, we started playing good defense. We are happy to be in the top eight and now we have the time to prepare ourselves.”
Speaking about the upcoming playoffs against Real Madrid, Exum added: “I am really looking forward to it, as it’s going to be a great series. I just can’t wait for it.”
The final word belongs to Partizan guard Aleksa Avramovic: “This win paints a picture – the way we fought until the very last moment in every game of the regular season’s second half. We were aggressive on the ball and we’ve done a really good job getting 20 victories after returning to the EuroLeague from a 10-year absence. Real Madrid may be the most difficult opponent in the playoffs, but we’ll go there full of confidence and enjoy the basketball. No one can take away our dream of reaching the Final Four.”