By Giorgos Orfanakis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Greeks got the 88-82 win by closing the game the right way, as Chris Singleton with 21 points and Mike James (14 p.) led an offensive effort that included three more players scoring in double digits.
The game was close from wire to wire with Panathinaikos leading by two points at the end of the first period (21-19) and also at half time (43-41) and finally the third quarter ending tied at 58.
Τhanks to a three by Doncic, Real Madrid got a 61-60 lead at the start of the last period and it was obvious at this point that everything will be decided on details. Panathinaikos managed to enter the last three minutes leading by six (75-69) thanks to a big three by Singleton and a shot by James.
With two minutes left, Rudy Fernandez made it a three points game (77-74), but Doncic missed the chance to tie the game after an Anthony Randolph block to KC Rivers and James with one more key three made the score (80-74) with one minute left and the game was almost over.
Madrid couldn’t get into striking distance and Singleton with a steal on Sergio Llull and two free throws (86-78) sealed the win. Randolph with 13 points was the top scorer of Madrid, Gustavo Ayon had 12, while Llull had 10 points, 8 assists and also 5 turnovers.