As if they had never... won in Spain. Panathinaikos might have been leading 2-0 after two wins at "Roig Arena," they might have been close to qualifying for the Final Four in Athens, but they messed up at the packed "Telekom Center Athens" as they lost both breaks they had earned last week in Valencia.
The Spanish team once again forced the "Greens" to a defeat, reclaiming the home-court advantage, tying the series, and now everything will be decided again on Spanish soil.
In other words, they will have to fight for a ticket to the Final Four through the... very difficult path of another away victory.
Once again, Valencia played better than Panathinaikos, holding the lead for most of the game and not panicking when the "Greens" came back from -15 to take the lead.
The Spaniards stuck to their plan and didn't let another opportunity slip away, with Jean Montero (29 pts, 7 ast, 7 reb, 3 stl) having an incredible night, playing a career-best game.
- WON BECAUSE… for the second consecutive match, they were overall better than Panathinaikos and achieved another fair victory.
- THE DIFFERENCE WAS MADE BY… Jean Montero, who performed wonders with 29 points, 5/6 two-pointers, 4/6 three-pointers, 7/7 free throws, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 4 turnovers, with a PIR reaching 45.
- WORTHY SUPPORTERS WERE… Key and Taylor, who contributed greatly to Valencia's final victory and home-court break.
- DEFEATED BUT… Cedi Osman was impressive with 26 points, 8/10 two-pointers, 1/4 three-pointers, 7/8 free throws, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal.
- COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER… Hayes-Davis, who despite his 12 points, had 0/7 three-pointers and was far from his best self.
Quarter scores: 15-26, 37-44, 56-60, 86-89.
Valencia - Panathinaikos 2-2
- Game 1: Valencia - Panathinaikos 67-68 (0-1)
- Game 2: Valencia - Panathinaikos 105-107 (0-2)
- Game 3: Panathinaikos - Valencia 87-91 (1-2)
- Game 4: Panathinaikos - Valencia 86-89 (2-2)
- Game 5: Valencia - Panathinaikos (13/5)