Panathinaikos did not receive the "gift" in the game in Kaunas and will determine its own qualification for the Euroleague Playoffs.
Against an indifferent Anadolu Efes, they were dominant, even overwhelming, and had no problem securing a comfortable victory, having performed an amazing 3rd quarter with only 5 points conceded and a partial score of 26-5.
Now the "greens" are looking ahead to the Play-In next Tuesday (21/4) against Monaco, with the aim of qualifying for the Playoffs. There, Valencia, who finished 2nd in the regular season, will be waiting.
Nikos Rogkavopoulos was Panathinaikos' top scorer with 24 points, with an almost flawless stat line of 3/3 two-pointers, 4/5 three-pointers, and 6/6 free throws. An excellent game from Mathias Lessort (14 pts - 7 reb) followed by Nunn (18 pts) and Farid (14 pts).
- WON BECAUSE… Panathinaikos gave Efes no room to react in the second half. The total score for the second half was 52-24, with the 3rd quarter ending 26-5. This is also an indication of the greens' absolute dominance in the game.
- THE DIFFERENCE WAS MADE BY… Nikos Rogkavopoulos (24 pts) and Mathias Lessort (14 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl) who "cleaned up" in the 3rd quarter and opened up the lead for the greens.
- A VALUABLE SUPPORTER WAS… Kendrick Nunn (18 pts) who kept Panathinaikos in the first half.
- COULD HAVE DONE BETTER… all of Efes. The Turkish team's performance was disheartening.
- WHAT HAPPENED IN THE 1ST ROUND: Panathinaikos had beaten Anadolu Efes in Istanbul with a score of 81-95.
Quarter scores: 20-16, 45-38, 71-43, 97-62.