Third loss in four for stuttering Panathinaikos
 

EUROLEAGUE REGULAR SEASON - ROUND 25

Panathinaikos conceded their third defeat in four EuroLeague matches on Friday evening, as Barcelona emerged victorious by a score of 92-81 at the OAKA Indoor Hall.

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In their last game, Panathinaikos did manage to defeat Zenit Saint Petersburg in Athens, but Rick Pitino’s men failed to build up momentum in the EuroLeague as a second-half collapse resulted in Barcelona emerging victorious. Panathinaikos, before beating Zenit, had conceded defeats to Valencia and Red Star Belgrade on the road in successive games.

Panathinaikos sit in sixth place of the regular season with 14 wins and 11 defeats. Barcelona, on the other hand, occupy third spot with an impressive 19-6 record.

Ninth-placed Olympiacos, chasing a playoff berth, have 11 victories and 14 losses on the table.

Nick Calathes achieved a double-double with 10 points and 11 assists, while Giorgos Papagiannis (14 points), Jimmer Fredette (13 points) and Ioannis Papapetrou (12 points) also impressed with productive displays.

Nikola Mirotic (20 points), Cory Higgins (17 points) and Malcolm Delaney (15 points) caught the eye for Barcelona.

Next week, Panathinaikos travel to Real Madrid, while Barcelona compete against reigning champions CSKA Moscow in Russia.

THE MATCH

Panathinaikos made a positive start against an in-form Barcelona side at the OAKA, taking the first quarter 23-20.

In the second, the Prasini continued competing with the initiative, outscoring Barcelona by four to extend their advantage to seven points with 20 minutes in the books.

However, in the third quarter, the pendulum began to swing the other way.

Barcelona took the frame 29-24 as they found ways to the basket through the Panathinaikos defence. With half of the concluding quarter remaining, the Catalan visitors moved ahead by two points, and it was a lead which they wouldn’t squander.

HIGHLIGHTS

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: sport-fm.gr

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