Greens succumb to first loss at Bayern
Panathinaikos’s unbeaten run in all competitions came an end on Thursday as the Greek champion lost 81-75 at Bayern Munich for the Euroleague.
Bayern is a team that improves every year, and is now a genuine contender for a spot in the top 16 of the competition, that Panathinaikos will also have to work hard to secure this year.
The Greens actually had the upper hand for most of the game, leading 35-32 at half-time and up to six points (55-49) during the third period, thanks to a good performance by Esteban Batista (18 points) and Vladimir Giankovits (17 points).
However the Germans turned a 61-60 Panathinaikos advantage to a 68-61 lead to bring the game under their control, as the Greek defense performed poorly on the night to concede 81 points.
The loss may not be a bad one for Panathinaikos, but it certainly constitutes a test of character, as the team’s response to this first defeat will be significant for its next games.
On Wednesday PAOK doubled its wins in the Eurocup thrashing Poland’s Zielona Gora 85-66 at home.
