Ruthless Campazzo inspires Real Madrid to Panathinaikos sweep
EUROLEAGUE - PLAYOFFS (GAME 3)
| Panathinaikos | 82 - 89 | Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| (18 - 23) (41 - 36) (58 - 58) (82 - 89) |
Real Madrid, driven by inspired Argentinian guard Facundo Campazzo, claimed an exciting 89-82 victory in Athens to sweep Panathinaikos and qualify for the EuroLeague Final Four.
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Having dropped two defeats in Spain, Panathinaikos required a victory on Tuesday to prolong the EuroLeague quarter-final series, but the plucky Greens were overpowered by Real Madrid in the closing stages at a sold-out OAKA Indoor Hall. Real Madrid, who are the defending champions and knocked Panathinaikos out at the same stage last season, qualify for the Final Four which will be held in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Despite the OAKA being packed to the rafters, Real Madrid made the stronger start, scoring an impressive 23 points to open up a five-point lead in the opening quarter.
Real Madrid boasted a nine-point advantage during the second frame, but Panathinaikos came roaring back. Ioannis Papapetrou converted a lay-up off Nick Calathes’ stunning assist to tie the match up at 34-34, and moments later, Matt Lojeski drained a three-pointer while being fouled at the same time. Lojeski then made the ensuing free-throw count to put Panathinaikos 41-36 ahead at half time.
Both teams traded blows at the start of the third period as the tension grew. Nevertheless, there was a feeling that Real Madrid were slowly gaining full control of proceedings as time rolled on, and they equalised at 58-58 ahead of the crucial fourth quarter.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Panathinaikos needed Calathes to take the game by the scruff of the neck, but instead it was Real Madrid’s Campazzo who rose to the occasion at the vital moment. In the fourth quarter, 28-year-old Campazzo dictated the game, dishing out a number of excellent assists and delivering the knockout blow. With 01:05 remaining on the clock, Campazzo nailed a stunning buzzer-beater from downtown, making it 81-74 in Real’s favour. A dagger which hammered the final nail in Panathinaikos’ coffin.
This is the seventh consecutive season when six-time EuroLeague winners Panathinaikos have failed to make the Final Four.
Rudy Fernandez (16), Anthony Randolph (14) and Gustavo Ayon (12) also reached double figures in terms of points for Real. Campazzo tallied a Double-Double with 16 points and 10 assists.
Calathes ended the game as Panathinaikos’ top scorer with 17 points and seven assists.
