By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos survived a thriller finale in Athens against Baskonia with 69-68. The Greens improved to a 9-5 record, while also forcing the Spanish team to the same one.
Chris Singleton led the winners with 23 points, Nick Calathes was decisive with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, while Mike James did not hesitate to hurt his old team in the end with 16 points and terrific defense.
For the visitors, Tornike Shengelia had 17 points, Adam Hanga added 12 and Rodrigue Beaubois scored 11.
The hosts had a grip of the game from early on, leading their opponents with 27-18 after the first 10 minutes. Soon enough, Baskonia recovered and even grabbed a 4-point lead at halftime with 37-41.
After the break, the visitors accelerated, grabbing the lead for most of the third period and it seemed like they could control the game, yet the Greens bounced back and after 30 minutes the score rested at 55-59.
In the final period of the game, the hosts put the pressure on Baskonia and turned the tables in the game. With a couple of key defenses, the hosts reduced to 59-61, then the lead was exchanged, as James hurt his old team with a long range shot to make the score 65-63.