By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Milutinov was once again the leading scorer (14 points on 5/7 f.g. 4/6 f.t., 5 rebounds, the only Red with double figures in PIR with 20) with crucial points down the stretch as Olympiacos defeated Panathinaikos 64 – 62 in Game 3 of the Greek League Finals to take a 2-1 advantage.
After dropping four consecutive points to help his team get close 58-60, the Serbian center also made the go-ahead free throws for the 63-62 with 33 seconds to go. A travelling violation commited by Chris Singleton and two missed shots (including the game-winning attempt from beyond the arc) by Panathinaikos‘ top scorer Mike James (16 points) “locked” the result in the Reds’ favor.
Kostas Papanikolaou also played a huge part in his team’s win with some massive defenses in the final minute to prevent his opponents from scoring, redeeming himself for the technical foul that allowed PAO the aforementioned 10-point lead.
Panathinaikos was up 48 – 58 with 5:41 remaining and looked completely in control, considering how close the game was and the momentum they had gained. Yet began making one mistake after the other, while the hosts rallied to quickly chew the deficit and make the match completely up for grabs once more.
Oly tightened its defense around Mike James, who had inflicted the most damage, and with the help of some 3-pointers and Milutinov, made it 61 – 62 with almost two minutes left.
Panathinaikos kept resolving to ISO plays that led them nowhere while on the other end the Serbian center of Oly put his team ahead from the line. Then Papanikolaou “locked down” KC Rivers and James keeping Oly up for good.
Giorgos Printezis was the only other player of Olympiacos in double figures with 10, along with 7 rebounds. Nick Calathes had 11 points and 5 rebounds for Panathinaikos.