By Dionysis Aravantinos / info@eurohoops.net
The ‘O.A.C.A’ rule! On Day 13, a number with special meaning for the Greens because it’s the prefered gate of their ultras, of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens defeated 89-76 Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv and remained perfect at home, while improving its record to 9-4. On the other hand, the visitors slipped to 7-6.
Five players in double digits: James Gist was impressive as he finished with a double-double (15 points and ten rebounds), while KC Rivers added 15 points. Nikos Pappas (14pts) also scored in double digits and Chris Singleton had also a double-double (14pts, 10rbs). Lukas Lekavicious added 13 points for the winners, filling in Nick Calathes’ starting role.
The game: The home team started off with a 13-6 run forcing coach Spahija to call a time-out. The visitors responded and tied the game up at 18 with Cole scoring six points. The first quarter ended 25-21.
In the first minutes of the second period, the ‘Greens’ increased their lead to nine points (35-26) (14:00), playing tough on both ends of the court. Cole and Thomas however, answered with a 4-12 run (39-38) (17:00). In the final three minutes of the first half, the Greek team thanks to Rivers and Gist scoring made it a six-point game (49-43).
In the second half, Maccabi couldn’t score for the first three minutes and PAO took advantage of it, increasing its lead to double-digits (53-43) for the first time. Spahija’s team tried to come back but the third quarter ended 67-56 with the home side playing tough and physical defense.
In the last 10 minutes of the game, Panathinaikos had the upper hand. With Singleton and Pappas scoring, the lead of the hosts increased to 16 (72-56). The guests tried to spark a comeback but eventually fell short as Denmon’s seven straight points ended Maccabi’s hopes.
The key: Panathinaikos started off the second half on the right foot. Pascual’s team built a double-digit lead and hold on to it until the end.
Not enough: For Maccabi, Norris Cole finished with 14 points and Pierre Jackson added 13 points and six assists.