By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Zalgiris Kaunas prevailed over Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens 80-74, stopping the Greens’ five consecutive wins streak.
The hosts improved to a 6-5 record, while the Greek side now falls to 7-4.
The key: Despite Panathinaikos’ notable attempt in the final period and their – run, the hosts were focused during the final moments, as Brandon Davies gave the team an important breather at 38′ and managed to keep a safety net for the remainder of the game.
The game: Nick Calathes paced the visiting side who stayed up 11-8 in the middle of the opening period. After 10 minutes in the game, the Greens were up with a double-score, 20-10.
The hosts bounced back in the second quarter, with a partial 7-2 run, yet there was still lots of ground to cover. With persistence on the offensive end, Zalgiris trimmed the deficit to 2 points at halftime, 33-31.
Τhe Lithuanian side grabbed the initiative at 22′, with Antanas Kavaliauskas finding score (37-35). Midway through the third period, the hosts took charge and led by 10 points (52-42), after some impressive plays by White and Pangos. After 30 minutes, the tide of the game had turned, with the Lithuanians leading 64-47.
The stars: Paulius Jankunas finished the game with 17 points, while Kevin Pangos had a double-double of 12 points and 11 assists.
Not enough: Chris Singleton tapped 15 points for the visitors, Nikos Pappas followed with 14.