With Nigel Hayes-Davis as the hero, Panathinaikos came through Valencia’s home court with a 107-105 victory in overtime (95-95 Mr.a) and made it 2-0 in the EuroLeague playoff series, coming within a whisker of the Final Four.
The American forward signed the buzzer-beater in overtime, completing a great performance and giving the Greens the ultimate in Roig Arena. Now, Ergyn Ataman’s team returns to Athens, where they will look to close out the series in front of their home crowd.
The game was a derby from the start, with both teams keeping pace on the scoreboard. TJ Shortz and Cedi Osman gave Panathinaikos an early lead, while the hosts responded, keeping the game close until halftime (48-49).
In the second half, Valencia found a rhythm with players such as Bandio and De Larea, but the Greens responded with decisive shots from Nigel Hayes-Davis, Ioannis Papapetrou (Juancho) and Kendrick Nunn.
In the final minutes of regulation, Valencia led 95-92, but Osman tied the game (95-95) with an improbable three-pointer, sending the game into overtime.
There, after hard fought battles and scoring swings, Hayes-Davis took the last shot and hit a buzzer-beater to give Panathinaikos the win, ending a dramatic game.
The series now moves to Athens, with Panathinaikos having three chances to qualify for the Final Four.
THE REFERRERS: Radovic, Lotermozer, Hordov
THE DETAILS: 23-24, 48-49, 71-74, 95-95 (c.a.), 105-107 (par)
