By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos prevailed over a challenging AEK with 81-72 in Game 3 of the Greek league semifinals.
This important victory was sealed by an impressive performance by Nick Calathes, who scored 26 points, handed 6 assists and grabbed 6 rebounds. Shortly behind was KC Rivers with 19 points, while Nikos Pappas also finished in double digits (11 points).
Panathinaikos took early charge with an 18-12 lead at 10′, yet AEK was too hard to surrender! The “visitors” bounced back in the second quarter, yet the Greens kept a short 34-31 lead at halftime.
Sotiris Manolopoulos’ team surpassed in the beginning of the second half and even led by 6 points. With 3 minutes to go, the Greens were up by 2 points (66-64). The Black and Yellow’s defense was pierced in the final moments of the game, with Panathinaikos getting a broader advantage.