Panathinaikos and Zalgiris Kaunas defeated Khimki and Buducnost, respectively, and boosted their chances to advance to the postseason.
Thanks to an impressive performance in the first half (65 points), Panathinaikos rallied past Khimki at home and maintained a play-off push (94-85).
The “Greens” ended the first half in front by 15 (65-50) and never looked back. They retained their double-digit lead in the third quarter (78-67) and cruised to the victory.
DeShaun Thomas had a game-high 25 points for the winners, as Nick Calathes made a double-double (13 points, 11 assists).
Malcolm Thomas (18 points), Jordan Mickey (17 points) and Tony Crocker (15 points) were the best players of the losing squad.
Panathinaikos claimed its fourth straight win at home and improved to 10-13, whereas Khimki dropped to 9-14 and now is on the brink of elimination.
A 24-14 run in the fourth quarter led Zalgiris Kaunas past Buducnost at home (84-76), with the Lithuanians coming closer to the play-off spots.
It was a close game for three quarters (20-18, 39-36, 60-62), yet Zalgiris outscored Buducnost 24-14 in the final 10 minutes to seal the deal.
Four players scored in double figures for the winners, with Brandon Davies having 21 points (8/13 shooting), eight rebounds, five assists and two steals.
On the other hand, Norris Cole was the best player of the losing squad, posting a game-high 26 points.
Zalgiris won just for the second time in eight games and improved to 9-14, whereas Buducnost dropped to 6-17.
