By Niki Bakouli/ bakouli@eurohoops.net
The ghosts of 2011 were present in Palau Blaugrana and that may not be good for the hosts. Barcelona managed to get the 72-70 overtime win (64-64) over Panathinaikos with Ante Tomic making the most decisive plays in the end, a block to James Gist and a huge defensive rebound with 3 seconds left.
That’s how Tomic redeemed himself for getting blocked by Gist in the shot that could have given to Barca the win before the end of the regulation. That being said, the best player on the court for Barcelona was Victor Sada, not only because he scored 13 points, but also he defended the best way possible Dimitris Diamantidis throughout the game. If he hadn’t missed two crucial free throws 22 seconds before the end of overtime, he would be perfect.
On the other hand, Panathinaikos had Gist and Stephan Lasme in a great night, both of them scoring 14 points. Lasme’s fifth foul in the game was debatable and made all the difference for the Greens. The Greeks lost their best center in the 36 minute and that was one very important detail. However, coach Pedoulakis’ defensive plan worked, our analysis was spot on and after the 1-0 of Barcelona, the series is just starting.