By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos needed a road win to get back the lead in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoffs and got it.
The Greens beat Anadolu Efes 81-77 (2-1), and with one more win, they qualify for the Final Four.
Kendrick Nunn had his first big game in the series with 25 points, but Dinos Mitoglou was the key with 18 points and being part of a defensive team effort that ultimately decided the game.
Shane Larkin with 17 points was the top scorer of Efes, followed by Dan Oturu (14 p.) and Elijah Bryant (13 p.).
Defense was the key
Efes closed the first quarter leading by three (23-20), however, Panathinaikos kept the hosts to 16 points in the second period, getting the 45-39 lead.
The second half opened with Gabriel, who was a big factor in Panathinaikos’ defense, getting in foul trouble with his fourth.
Still, Panathinaikos kept the momentum, pushed the lead to 10 points with a quick 4-0 run (49-39), and extended the advantage to 13 points (59-46) after a shot by Omer Yurtseven.
At the end of the third period, the guests were up by nine (63-54), and Efes trimmed the lead to two (63-61) after seven unanswered points.
The hosts made it a one-point game (65-64), and Kendrick Nunn with a big goal-foul gave Panathinaikos a four-point cushion (68-64) with five minutes left
Shane Larkin, with two free throws and an assist to Dan Oturu, tied the score at 68.
With one minute left, Gabriel gave Panathinaikos the lead again (74-72), Juancho Hernangomez blocked Shane Larkin, and he was fouled in the transition going for a layup.
The Spanish forward was hurt, falling badly, and Sloukas replaced him and scored two free throws (76-72).
Larkin answered back with two more free throws (76-74), and Dinos Mitoglou with a big three gave Panathinaikos the lead (79-74) for good, six seconds before the final buzzer.
Thompson made a three (79-77), but with four seconds left and Panathinaikos having the ball, the game was over with Nunn making two more free throws.
Photo credit: Eurokinissi