Panathinaikos back to winning ways in Russia
EUROLEAGUE REGULAR SEASON - ROUND 4
Panathinaikos got back to winning ways in the EuroLeague regular season on Thursday evening, powering past Zenit Saint Petersburg 89-79 in Russia.
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Having conceded two identical losses to ASVEL and Olimpia Milano in their last two EuroLeague games, Panathinaikos were in need of a morale-boosting victory on the road, and they achieved just that with a confident 89-79 win against Zenit in Saint Petersburg. Panathinaikos didn’t lose any of the four quarters as they kept a dangerous Zenit side - which had defeated Olympiacos on matchday three - at bay.
Jimmer Fredette lived up to his reputation as a potent scorer, registering 22 points for Panathinaikos. The in-form Deshaun Thomas (17 points) and Jacob Wiley (14 points) also caught the eye, while leader Nick Calathes dished out 15 assists at the Sibur Arena. Ioannis Papapetrou set a personal EuroLeague record with 11 rebounds.
Zenit are yet to win a home game in the competition.
Panathinaikos’ next EuroLeague match is also in Russia as they face Khimki on October 29. Zenit travel to Zalgiris Kaunas a day later.
THE MATCH
Over the years, Panathinaikos have traditionally struggled in Russia, but they put themselves in a good position by winning the first quarter by two points. Ian Vougioukas contributed with a big block when Panathinaikos were down by five before Konstantinos Mitoglou drained a tough shot under pressure.
Zenit kept it close in the second quarter. Andrew Albicy drew the Russians level with an impressive three-pointer, but Panathinaikos responded at the other end with Vougioukas scoring from close range.
Panathinaikos boasted a 14-point advantage in the third period as they took full control of proceedings. Nevertheless, Zenit weren’t about to surrender, as the plucky Russians embarked on a 10-2 run to get within six points of Panathinaikos.
The Russian hosts were only three points down with three minutes remaining in the game. Panathinaikos could have buckled, but the Athenians stood tall, carefully seeing out the match to earn their second win of the EuroLeague season.
