Panathinaikos and Armani Milano claimed crucial victories on Friday night and boosted their chances to reach the EuroLeague playoffs.
The “Greens” rallied past Anadolu Efes at home (88-75) and managed to maintain a play-off push, as another defeat would bring them on the brink of elimination.
Thanks to a 15-1 early in the second half, the hosts took a 19-point lead (57-38), but the Turks reacted and cut the deficit to just two (63-61).
The six-time EuroLeague champions stood tall, though, and brought their lead back to double digits to seal the deal (86-70).
Nick Calathes came very close to the triple-double, with 20 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists, as DeShaun Thomas added 14 points and six boards.
Sean Kilpatrick scored 13 and James Gist posted a double-double (11 points and 10 rebounds) for the Greeks.
Rodrigue Beaubois had a game-high 15 points for the losing squad, as Krunoslav Simon contributed 14 and Tibor Pleiss 13 points.
Panathinaikos improved to 9-12, whereas Anadolu Efes dropped to 13-8.
Armani Milano earned a vital win over Gran Canaria on the road in overtime (104-106) and is now tied with Baskonia for the final play-off spot.
The Italians took a double-digit lead early in the game (6-17), but the Spaniards reacted and were in front by nine in the third quarter (64-55).
The visitors regained their lead (71-75, 86-89), but Marcus Eriksson made a three-pointer and forced an overtime (89-89).
In the extra period, Vladimir Micov and James Nunnally sealed the deal for Armani Milano, as Eriksson missed the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer (104-106).
Vladimir Micov led the winners with 24 points, as Mike James and debutant James Nunnally added 22 points apiece.
Marcus Eriksson had a game-high 28 points for the losing squad, with Clevin Hannah and Kim Tillie posting 12 points apiece.
Armani Milano improved to 10-11, whereas Gran Canaria lost for the sixth straight time and dropped to 6-15.
