PAO hoopsters beat Barcelona, 102-82
Panathinaikos rebounded from a surprise defeat against Olympiakos in the domestic league last weekend to overpower Spanish visitor Barcelona 102-82 last night for a clear lead in their second-stage Euroleague group. The two teams went into the Top 16’s Group F encounter with a win apiece. The Athens club dominated throughout the game and never looked threatened by its formidable Spanish opponent. Panathinaikos led 32-15 at the first-quarter break, edged further ahead for a 51-31 lead at halftime, and established a comfortable 74-58 third-quarter lead. Sani Becirovic led the scoring for Panathinaikos with 24 points. Aris played Spanish host Unicaja later last night in Group G.