Pitino makes winning Panathinaikos return
EUROLEAGUE REGULAR SEASON - ROUND 11
Rick Pitino made a triumphant return to the Panathinaikos bench, as the Athens-based club thrashed Baskonia 100-68 at the OAKA Indoor Hall in the EuroLeague.
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Pitino is back with a bang. The 67-year-old American, making his EuroLeague return after signing with Panathinaikos earlier this week, steered the Athenians to an emphatic 32-point victory at home to Baskonia. A visibly pumped up Pitino immediately demanded more from his team:
Panathinaikos didn’t allow Baskonia to score 20 points in any of the four quarters.
The Athenians improve to a 7-4 record. Baskonia now stand at 5-6 after 11 rounds.
Jimmer Fredette was the leading Panathinaikos scorer with 21 points, while the talismanic Nick Calathes tallied 12 points and nine assists. Fredette nailed four out of five three-point attempts.
Next week will see Panathinaikos welcome arch-rivals Olympiacos to the OAKA in a very tasty affair. Baskonia, for their part, will host Anadolu Efes.
THE MATCH
Panathinaikos initially made a lukewarm start as Baskonia opened up a 10-5 lead. Nevertheless, the hosts quickly recovered to earn a 20-17 advantage in the quarter.
An advantage which increased to 46-36 after the second quarter.
In control of the game, Panathinaikos continued bossing proceedings in the third period, stifling Baskonia with solid defensive play and effective attacking tactics. Baskonia were limited to a mere 15 points in the quarter.
Panathinaikos then completed the job with a 28-point showing in the fourth quarter. Pitino and his troops will certainly be hoping for more of the same when Olympiacos visit on December 6.
