The match between the basketball teams of Panathinaikos and CSKA Moscow finished 74-60. The match of the pre-qualification rounds of the Euroleague was played on OAKA playground in Athens and this time the hall was full of people.
The beginning of the match wasn’t promising for the home team. The greens showed a weak game during the first 10 minutes having problem to attack. They failed to break through the CSKA Moscow defence and the ball fell into the hands of the visiting team players instead of the basket. Panathinaikos had a strong defence to compensate the timid attacks. The team successfully blocked the actions of the opponent. It is noteworthy that both teams played defensively rather than offensively. However, the visiting team managed to gain the lead first. It was mainly due to the scores of the American player Gordon. The resulting game of Diamantidis, resembling at times complex pirouettes under the opponent's basket, helped the greens to draw the result. So, they took the lead in the 10th minute, albeit by just 1 point.
Overall, however, the teams did not demonstrate considered game. It lacked good communication between players and faith in victory. The greens failed long to join forces to attack the weaknesses of the opponent. Both teams played in almost identical style and the halftime result 31-31 did not surprise anyone.
It turned out that those who have made hasty conclusions about the next loss of the greens, including the audience, were wrong. The home team was far more eager and motivated to fight in the second half. CSKA immediately felt this and tried to stop it. It was not difficult for the team of Moscow to go hand in hand in the outcome of the home team, at least at the beginning. Gordon successfully helped his team take up the small differences with his precise shots. However, the situation changed after Nicholas and Maric entered the field. The greens finally faced their opponent and showed their capabilities. They unlock the attack and this unpleasantly surprised their opponent again. They took the lead thanks to a series of scores. Minutes later, Gordon proceeded to attack again and the difference in the outcome was reduced to 5 points. The game again resembled the first 10 minutes.
Finally, the home team managed to break through the CSKA defence and thanks to Nicholas the lead in the score for the greens reached 71-55 and 74-60 later.