By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The Greeks prevailed (84-79) with Mike James leading a balanced offensive effort with 18 points, while Chris Singleton and James Feldeine added 15 points each. The guests made 16 out of 31 three-pointers and that was the key for them as they made less two-point shots (13/30), but literally it was their birthday since this day 108 years ago, the club of Panathinaikos was established.
Despite a great start by the hosts who led by 11 points (20-9) and had a 24-18 advantage at the end of the first quarter, Panathinaikos had a 43-40 half time lead and entered the last period with a 4 points cushion (68-64).
Tiber Pleiss made it a two points game (68-66), but James answered with five quick points which sparked a 9-0 run. Panathinaikos had a double-digits lead with six minutes left (77-66) and that was enough. The hosts couldn’t get back at striking distance.
Pless finished the game with 15 points, Blake Schilb and Vldamir Micov had 14 points each, but the issue here was a total of 16 turnovers, too big of a number against an experienced opponent who also happened to have a great shooting night.