By Dionysis Aravantinos / info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens easily defeated Anadolu Efes Istanbul 90-79 and improved the undefeated home record to 8-0. The Greek team now has an 11-5 overall record, while the Turkish side slipped to 4-12.
The star: In his first EuroLeague game back from his injury, Nick Calathes was impressive. He finished with 17 points and nine assists, while Nikos Pappas added 16 points off the bench.
The key: With a great start to the game in the first period, leading by double-digits (23-12), Pascual’s team never looked back.
The game: Panathinaikos started the game shooting just 1/5 from the field but played tough defense on Efes, and in the first three minutes, the game was tied 4-4. With Calathes leading the way, PAO went on a 9-0 run to go up by seven points (11-4). The quarter ended 23-12 with the home side having the advantage.
Efes was trying to spark a comeback in the second period with Adams and Stimac, but ‘Pana’ kept this double-digit lead (36-24) at 15′, with Pappas answering right back. Eventually, the first half ended 47-33 with the home team playing great defense as Efes had eight turnovers and shot 1/9 from the three-point line.
Calathes remained ‘hot’ in the second half, scoring eight quick points (60-45) at 25′ and continuing to lead his team. The deficit increased to 17 points (62-45), with the visitors not able to respond. The third period ended 70-56.
Anadolu Efes could not keep up with Panathinaikos’ pace in the final period, despite making some tough shots and cutting the lead to nine points. Finally, the ‘greens’ got the easy victory.
Not enough: Josh Adams had his best game of the season with 20 points and five rebounds for Efes.