By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos Athens beat Peristeri 93 – 88 to clinched the first seed in the Greek League with two games remaining for the completion of the third stage of the regular season. This was Panathinakos’ last game before the EuroLeague playoff series against Maccabi Tel Aviv begins Tuesday (23/4).
Dinos Mitoglou had 25 points plus six rebounds while Kendrick Nunn finished with 20 points, six boards and fie assists for a Panathinaikos that returned from down 12 (13-25) in the first period and was trailing up to mid of the third period when Kostas Antetokounmpo scored for the 51 – 50.
Peristeri reclaimed the lead and went ahead 61 – 69 early in the fourth quarter. Panathinaikos came back to grab an 85 – 78 advantage but Peristeri didn’t give up as Joe Ragland tied the score at 86 with 1:36 remaining and made it 91 – 88 with 16 seconds to play.
Nunn hit two free throws that secured the win for Panathinaikos. The Greens were without head coach Ergin Ataman who was in Istanbul to attend the funeral of his father Ibrahim. Assistant Christos Serelis coached the team.
Nate Renfro posted 16 points, six rebounds and five assists for Peristeri. Ragland finished with 13 points and nine assists.