By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In the opener of the historic “Gomelsky Cup” preseason tournament that takes place in Moscow, Maccabi Tel Aviv edged Panathinaikos 90 – 88, getting a small “payback” for its defeat in “Diamonds Are Forever”.
The Israelis were highly productive inside the paint where they delivered most of their baskets. Maik Zirbes damaged his opponents, dropping 21 points and shooting with a sublime 10/11 from the field. Gal Mekel finished the game with 16 points while Sonny Weems scored 9, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 6 assists being his team’s top dime-giver.
Nikos Pappas paced the Greens with 15 points in almost 17 minutes and Nick Calathes added 14 plus 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Giannis Bourousis and Mike James scored 11 points each.
Here’s one of the most memorable highlights of the game, courtesy of Maccabi’s Victor Rudd.