Solid reaction of PAO and M.Grigonis: after K.Slouk’s show, the result of the series was equalized

In the series up to three victories, the result became equal – 1-1.

The Tel Aviv club was forced to play without their leader Wade Baldwin who suffered a thigh tear in this match, but it was an even match on the field for a half and a half and the visitors even had a small initiative.

However, PAO finished the second half with a powerful 21-3 run and built up a double-digit advantage, 51-39.

After the break, the Greeks did not let go of the reins, pushed forward even harder and laid a solid foundation for victory even before the fourth quarter.

In the last half, Maccabi tried to hang on and came as close as five points (66-71), but then PAO stormed back and won a vital victory.

M.Grigonis, who started the match in the starting line-up, scored 2 points (1/1 double, 0/1 triple) for the winners in 18 minutes, recovered 2 balls, made an assist, provoked a foul, fouled once and collected 4 utility points.

Kostas Sloukas, who scored 29 points, played fantastically in the ranks of the winners. The Greek reached his personal record of performance in the Euroleague.

Maccabi won the first match also in Athens 91:87.

The series will now move to Belgrade, where the Tel Aviv club plays its home games.

The third match of the series will be held on Tuesday, the fourth on Thursday.

Panathinaikos: Kostas Sloukas 29 (8/9 doubles, 4/7 triples, 1/1 penalty), Ioannis Papapetrou 15, Kostas Mitoglou 14, Mathias Lessortas 11, Kendrick Nunn 10.

Maccabi: Lorenzo Brown 18 (6 rebounds), Antonius Cleveland and Jake Cohen 12 each, Tamir Blatt 11.