Superb defence fires Panathinaikos to big win
 

EUROLEAGUE REGULAR SEASON - ROUND 6

Panathinaikos achieved their most important win of the EuroLeague regular season so far, defeating in-form Anadolu Efes 86-70 in Athens with a wonderful defensive performance.

Watch LIVE GREEK TV including full GREEK SPORTS coverage from AGONASport.com! 

Never allowing their Turkish guests to score above 19 points in any of the four quarters, Panathinaikos always had control of the game, and they won both of the remaining two periods to ease to an impressive 86-70 victory against last year’s EuroLeague finalists. Anadolu Efes had won four of their opening five games of the 2019/2020 regular season.

Once again, the inspirational Nick Calathes was at the heart of the action for Panathinaikos, notching a double-double with 11 points and 10 assists. Tyrese Rice caught the eye with 18 points as he drained three out of four three-pointers.

Shane Larkin, regarded as one of the leading EuroLeague players, scored 28 points and converted four of his six shots from behind the arc for Anadolu Efes.

Panathinaikos host Valencia at the OAKA Indoor Hall next week, while Anadolu Efes play against Olympiacos in Piraeus.

THE MATCH

Having conceded over 100 points against Khimki earlier this week, Panathinaikos knew that they needed to play better in defence today, and they started off well by winning the first quarter 24-19. Ben Bentil thumped an emphatic dunk in for the Prasini.

Anadolu Efes worked their way back into the game as they managed to slightly reduce the deficit to four points in the second frame.

Chris Singleton, who used to play for Panathinaikos, hit the target with a three-pointer midway through the third quarter to bring Anadolu Efes within one point of their Greek opponents. The Turks did then move ahead as they gained momentum.

Nevertheless, Panathinaikos soon gained the upper hand again, and Giorgos Papagiannis threw down a strong slam dunk when connecting with a trademark Calathes pass.

At times, Anadolu Efes did threaten a comeback in the fourth quarter, but Panathinaikos kept them at bay and held on to a major victory. Panathinaikos now have a 3-3 record in the competition.

HIGHLIGHTS

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: sport-fm.gr

Thank you for visiting AGONAsport.com, the only English based website for Greek sports fans across the world! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter for all the latest news in Greek Sports!