Calathes, Panathinaikos claim vital win in Kaunas
EUROLEAGUE REGULAR SEASON - ROUND 9
Panathinaikos got back to winning ways in the EuroLeague regular season, defeating Zalgiris Kaunas 86-85 on the road in Lithuania.
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Last week, Panathinaikos suffered a shock defeat against ALBA Berlin in Athens, but they compensated for that loss with an impressive win in Lithuania. Panathinaikos were playing under the guidance of temporary boss Giorgos Vovoras after Argyris Pedoulakis was sacked following the home loss to Berlin.
Panathinaikos now possess a positive 5-4 record in the EuroLeague, while Zalgiris have lost six of their nine games.
Once again, it was the talismanic Nick Calathes who took a leading role for Panathinaikos, tallying a double-double with 19 points and 12 assists. Deshaun Thomas (13 points), Ioannis Papapetrou (12 points) and Jimmer Fredette (11 points) also reached double figures in terms of points.
Panathinaikos will next play against Bayern Munich in Germany on Friday. Zalgiris will face Red Star Belgrade in Kaunas a day earlier.
THE MATCH
Panathinaikos settled into the game by winning the first period 19-16. The highlight of the frame was a stunning Calathes assist in the final minute, as he found the onrushing Papapetrou with a wonderful pass:
The Prasini continued playing on the front foot in the second quarter as they extended their advantage by a further five points.
Panathinaikos were ahead by nine after the third quarter. However, Zalgiris threatened to pull off a dramatic comeback in the fourth period, and Panathinaikos had to survive a tough last few minutes to hold cling on to a crucial triumph.
