Superb fourth quarter fires Panathinaikos to vital win
EUROLEAGUE REGULAR SEASON - ROUND 19
Until the fourth quarter, Panathinaikos were living dangerously against Bayern Munich at home, but the hosts recovered to earn a vital 98-83 victory in the EuroLeague regular season.
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Bayern, who had lost their last four successive EuroLeague games before facing Panathinaikos in Athens, gave their illustrious opponents a scare. However, with the game on the line, Panathinaikos burst into life, outscoring Bayern 22-8 in the fourth quarter as they secured a crucial victory which further aids their playoff push.
With 19 rounds in the books, Panathinaikos occupy sixth position of the EuroLeague regular season, boasting two more victories than ninth-placed Valencia. Bayern Munich, however, are languishing in last place with six wins and 13 defeats.
Nick Calathes, who is now fourth in the list of all-time EuroLeague assists, achieved a double-double with 11 points and 12 assists:
Deshaun Thomas also impressed with 18 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Ioannis Papapetrou scored 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
On Friday, Panathinaikos will host Zalgiris at the OAKA Indoor Hall, while Bayern Munich travel to Olympiacos.
THE MATCH
Panathinaikos came flying out of the blocks with a strong offensive performance to clinch the first quarter 28-18.
However, all of a sudden, the Prasini began struggling in defence during the second frame, as Bayern scored a large 35 points to equalise.
Panathinaikos then only took the third quarter by one point as nerves inside the OAKA grew.
The Athenians had saved the best for last, though.
Playing watertight defence, Panathinaikos were ruthless in their transition plays, limiting Bayern to a mere eight points as they stormed to a hugely important victory:
