Euroleague showdown: Panathinaikos vs. Efes in Istanbul – PAO wins 77-81

With 3.2 seconds left on the clock, Nan sealed the victory for PAO by making two free throws, leading to a final score of 81-77.

Thompson drained a three-pointer with 6 seconds remaining, narrowing the deficit to 79-77.

Mitoglou’s three-pointer with 28 seconds on the clock brought the score to 79-74, intensifying the atmosphere as Panathinaikos retained possession.

Larkin took free throws following Gabriel’s fifth foul with 34 seconds to go, while Sloukas prepared to step up for his shot.

In the game’s closing moments, Gabriel made a pivotal basket for Efes, closing the score to 74-72. Juancho was fouled and seemed hurt, unable to take his free throws. Instead, Shaquille Sloukas stepped in, successfully converting both to extend the lead to 76-72. Despite a review for a potential flagrant foul, the referees ruled it a non-issue, keeping the suspense alive until the final buzzer.

In a thrilling matchup, Efes equalized at 72-72 with Larkin’s timely basket. The game was marked by dramatic moments, including Nani’s free throws that brought Panathinaikos within two points at 72-70, and crucial timeouts to set strategies for the last plays. With 2 minutes and 48 seconds left, Oturu leveled the score at 70-70 after impactful contributions from Nani, who led with 21 points. Both teams went back and forth, with Bryant’s three-pointer and free throw keeping Efes in contention, while Panathinaikos countered with standout performances from Osmani and Gebre. As the clock wound down, Larkin’s attempt at a free throw added to the back-and-forth action, with multiple ties adding to the tension as fans eagerly awaited the outcome in Istanbul.

In a thrilling contest in Istanbul, Panathinaikos pulled off a 63-56 win over Efes, keeping their hopes alive for reaching the Top 16. The final quarter was electric, highlighted by Larkin closing the gap to 4 points and Oturu executing a powerful dunk, but the Greens stood strong under pressure. With Nan and Mitoglou leading the way with 16 and 15 points respectively, and Bryant making crucial plays, the match remained tight until the end. Fans were kept on the edge of their seats as the action unfolded in this nail-biting thriller. Panathinaikos displayed resilience and determination toward qualification, while Efes must strive until the final buzzer to turn the tide.

In the first half of their Euroleague matchup in Istanbul, Panathinaikos led with a score of 45-39 against Efes, showcasing a solid performance with key contributions from Bryant and Mitoglou on offense.