Panathinaikos's two victories in Spain were not cashed in during Game 3 for a possible "sweep" of Valencia.
The Spanish team proved to be more ready than ever and made sure to prolong the agony regarding the ticket to the Final Four in Athens, reducing the series to 2-1.
Overall, Valencia was much better than Panathinaikos in this particular game, held the upper hand throughout the match, and had leads that reached up to 19 points.
Even on their bad night, the "Greens" managed to cut the score, get within 5 points (85-90), but then squandered opportunities to get even closer with missed perimeter shots.
With 20 seconds left, the game reached a one-possession difference (87-90) after Hayes-Davis's 2/3 free throws, and they also had a chance to tie the game, but the two consecutive three-pointers by the (excellent in the match) Rogavopoulos missed their target. Thus, the two teams renewed their appointment for Friday (8/5, 21:15).
- WON BECAUSE… it was generally better than Panathinaikos in this match. They hit big shots, didn't panic when Panathinaikos cut the lead, and in addition to having a "clear mind," they also had more rebounds (41-33), grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, and shot 63% on two-pointers.
- THE DIFFERENCE MAKERS WERE… Jean Montero (16 pts, 9 ast) and Brancou Badio (16 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast).
- A WORTHY SUPPORT WAS… Kenny Taylor who gave the impetus for Valencia to control the game.
- LOSER BUT… Nikos Rogavopoulos, despite the missed shots at the end, kept Panathinaikos in the game until the very end.
- COULD HAVE DONE BETTER… Grant, Lessort, and Juancho, who did not contribute in this game.
Quarter scores: 18-24, 39-50, 66-75, 87-91.