By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
After defeating Khimki Moscow Region in Athens, Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens travelled to Istanbul to take on Anadolu Efes and eventually defeat the Turkish team 81-82! Nick Calathes was simply amazing as he flirted with a triple-double while also posting up a career high in PIR and points.
The fourth quarter: In the final 10 minutes, the home team went up ahead by five points with a 9-0 run (67-62). Panathinaikos, however, responded with a run of its own and cut the lead to just two points (69-67). In the last two minutes, Calathes made a tough lay-up and a three-point shot with 40 seconds remaining on the clock to put Panathinaikos up by three points. McCollum had a chance to win it at the buzzer for Efes but James Gist blocked his shot securing the win for Pascual’s team.
The star: Who else could it be? Nick Calathes was incredible for the winners as he scored some tough shots and was the difference in Panathinaikos’ game. He almost posted a triple-double as he finished with a career-high 29 points, handed out 10 assists and grabbed 9 rebounds.
The game: With Nick Calathes facilitating the offense (5 assists in 1Q) and scoring, Chris Singleton, Thanasis Antetokounmpo following Panathinaikos went up ahead by nine points (10-19) in the mid-first quarter with a 0-8 run. The first quarter ended 21-28 with the visitors having the upper hand in the game.
In the second quarter, Brock Motum and Vladimir Stimac led Efes back in the game, cutting the lead down to just one point and then leading Perasovic‘s team with a 16-5 run to a four-point lead (37-33). Singleton responded for Panathinaikos and in the final three minutes of the first half, the game was competitive with both teams making their free-throws and shots. The first half ended 44-48.
During the third quarter, the Greek international continued his offensive show that led the visitors to a six-point lead (49-55). Efes, however, remained in the game with Dunston and Stimac leading the way. The 28-year old point guard put on a show in the final five minutes of the game, leading his team to a third consecutive victory.
Not enough: For Efes, Brock Motum finished with 21 points.