Panathinaikos AKTOR defeated PAOK 102-94 at the “Palataki” and with a 2-0 record in the semifinal series secured their place in the Stoiximan Greek Basketball League Finals.
Jedi Osman was the big star for Ergyn Ataman’s team, who had an impressive performance with 29 points, setting a new personal scoring record in the Greek League. The Greens found themselves chasing the lead early on, as PAOK led by as many as 12 points, but they gradually picked up their performance and came back into the game.
The first half ended with PAOK leading 47-44, but Panathinaikos changed the game in the third quarter. With Kendrick Nunn, Mathias Lesor and especially Osman finding solutions in the offense, Ataman’s team took the lead and closed the quarter at 72-67 in their favor.
In the last quarter, the guests managed the difference well, even reaching +9 and did not allow PAOK to return to the victory. Jerian Grant, T.J. Shortz and Nigel Hayes-Davis were also valuable, while Cleveland Melvin and Patrick Beverly stood out for PAOK.
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With this win, Panathinaikos secured their presence in the league finals, with the first game of the series scheduled for June 3.
THE REFERRERS: Poursanidis, Tiganis, Skandalakis
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THE DETAILS: 27-17, 47-44, 67-72, 94-102
PAOK’s team stats: 26/45 2-pointers, 8/26 3-pointers, 16/19 free throws, 35 rebounds (20 defensive – 15 offensive), 22 assists, 7 turnovers, 7 steals, 1 block
Panathinaikos’ team stats: 21/39 2-pointers, 13/19 3-pointers, 21/27 free throws, 27 rebounds (20 defensive – 7 offensive), 22 assists, 9 turnovers, 4 steals, 4 blocks
