By Yiannis Bouranis/info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos easily prevailed over Zhejian Lions 83-64, in the Greens first match in the 2015 Euroleague World Tour. Sasa Djordjevic’s squad played great defence and had excellent ball movement, which helped them to earn the victory.
In the first quarter, Panathinaikos took an eight-point advantage (18-10), despite their low field-goal percentage, as they were dominant in the paint. Later in the game, a 4-10 run from the chinese squad let them cut the deficit to just four points in the middle of the second quarter (24-20), however the Greens strengthened their defence and ended the first half in front by 13 (39-26).
In the second half, the Greek team played even better offensively and with great ball movement and decent spacing, they took a 16-point lead (57-41) and never looked back. Zhejian Lions tried to remain competitive behind a 7-1 run (58-48), but Sasa Djordjevic’s squad retained a double-digit advantage (61-48) after 30 minutes in the match.
The situation remained the same in the last quarter, with the chinese squad being unable to make a comeback, as Panathinaikos continued their dominating performance (80-61) and was victorious in its first match in China (83-64).
Vassilis Charalampopoulos was injured during the game, however it was nothing serious, as the Greens have their sights set on their next game against Shangdong Tigers on Wednesday (30/9).