By Eurohoops / info@eurohoops.net
Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv got a crucial, 84 – 75 win over Panathinaikos OPAP Athens, extending its winning streak to four games. With the eight-point win, the hosts also won the tie-breaker against Panathinaikos, which could be vital in the final standings. Both teams came in with an 8-11 record, but after Maccabi‘s triumph, the Israeli team improved to 9-11, while Rick Pitino’s side fell to 8-12.
Angelo Caloiaro had a great game, and came up big especially in moments where Maccabi needed him the most. He not only was the game’s leading scorer with 20 points, but his clutch shots down the stretch, to go along with his huge rebounding effort (11 rebounds), made him the best player on the court.
After a mediocre first half from both teams, Maccabi went on an impressive third period run, that was key for the victory. The opening minutes of the second half were critical for the final result. Maccabi took advantage of Panathinaikos’ shooting weaknesses, and went on a 14-4 run, which eventually resulted in a double-digit lead (54-39). Despite the fact that the ‘Greens’ were down by double-digits in the final period (67-57), they found a way to respond and cut the deficit to four points, with five minutes remaining, thanks to Ioannis Papapetrou’s buckets (70-66).
The MVP of the game, however, Angelo Caloiaro responded with two huge buckets and free-throws of his own, and Maccabi regained the momentum and the control of the game (79-90). With two minutes on the clock and a nine-point deficit, ‘Pana’ could find ways to close the gap and challenge the hosts.
“I think our determination at the end [was the key]. We had a clear mind and good decisions on offense and defense. We played good defense, kept them in their average, and in the end we got the win and the tie-breaker,” said coach Sfairopoulos after the final buzzer.
Besides Caloiaro’s double-double, Scottie Wilbekin added 13 points. As for Panathinaikos, Nick Calathes registered a double-double of 14 points and 10 assists. Former Maccabi man, DeShaun Thomas finished with 12 points and eight rebounds.
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