By Dionysis Aravantinos / info@eurohoops.net
With a tough 82-89 win in a fiery “OAKA Arena”, Real Madrid tied the EuroLeague quarterfinal series vs. Panathinaikos to 1-1.
The game was decided in the final minutes, as Gustavo Ayon, Trey Thompkins, and Rudy Fernandez took over. With two minutes on the clock, Real Madrid had a two-point lead (78-80). Thompkins made a big corner three and Real increased this lead to five points (78-83). On the other side of the court, Mike James answered right back (80-83). With one minute left Luka Doncic made a crucial steal and converted on both free-throws to ice the game (80-86).
The rebounds played a critical role in the contest as Lasso’s team grabbed 43 rebounds, while Panathinaikos only had 24.
At the half, the score was 40-36 with Panathinaikos having a narrow lead. In the late third period, Felipe Reyes and Jaycee Carroll led the way for the visitors as they went up ahead by seven points (61-68), but PAO made it a game in the fourth.
For the winners, Jaycee Carroll finished the game with 17 points, while 38-year-old captain Felipe Reyes, like an aged wine, added a season-high 18. Luka Doncic had a quiet game with eight points and five rebounds while being watched by Los Angeles Lakers GM, Rob Pelinka who was at OAKA.
On the other hand, for Pascual’s side, Mike James was trying to keep PAO int the contest with 20 points. Adreian Payne had an impact off the bench with his 13 points and eight rebounds.
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