Panathinaikos are one of seven teams through the Euroleague Top 16 as they downed Union Olimpija 80-72 in Athens.

The Greens are tied for second place in Group A with a 5-3 record along with BC Khimki while Union Olimpija fall to 2-6 and are eliminated from the Euroleague.

A bucket from Aron Baynes tied the game for the Slovenian side at 35-35 with the first play of the third quarter but back-to-back three-pointers from Jonas Maciulis and Michael Bramos followed by another three from Marcus Banks gave the hosts a commanding cushion which they never gave up.

Roko Ukic and Banks each led Panathinaikos with 14 points supported by Stephen Lasme’s 13. Jaka Blazic led all scorers in vain with 17 for Union Olimpija.

BC Khimki were convincing in their 77-53 thrashing of Mapooro Cantu in Moscow as they also qualified from Group A.

After going behind after the first period, the hosts went on a 19-5 run to lead 44-31 at the half and their advantage ballooned further to 20 in the third at 57-37 as Cantu burned themselves out.

Zoran Planinic and Paul Davis both got 14 points for Khimki while Manu Markoishvili led the Italians with 16 points.

Maccabi Electra have advanced from Group B after edging Elan Chalon 78-73 at the Nokia Arena.

The Israeli champions had to come from behind though to get the win as the French side led for the majority of the contest and Maccabi even had to deal with restless boos and jeers from the 11,000 crowd in Tel Aviv. But a fourth quarter surge thanks, in-part to David Logan and Ricky Hickman gave Maccabi the edge and the win as they improve to 6-2 in the group while the French side, appearing in their first Euuroleague, bow out, but with nothing to be ashamed of.

Devin Smith led the Israelis with 19 points, Logan posted 17. Elan Chalon were led by 17 from Brion Rush and Shelden Williams got a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Elsewhere, Caja Laboral held on to their slim hopes of reaching the Top 16 with a thrilling 64-62 come-from-behind win over EA7 Milano.

Fernando San Emeterio led the victors with 17 points while Polish international Maciej Lampe grabbed a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds as the Spaniards came back from 17 points down to snatch victory. Keith Langford got 16 for the Italians.

Caja Laboral move to 2-6 in Group C, tied for fifth with Cedevita while Milano drops to 3-5.

Anadolu Efes are through to the Top 16 after they won in Zagreb against Cedevita 81-73, thanks largely to Jordan Farmar’s 21 points.

The Istanbul side are now 5-3 in Group C and their win also means that Euroleague champions Olympiacos are also through to the next round as well. Cedevita are now at 2-6 and while not not just yet, have a tall task ahead if they want to advance. Bracey Wright led the Croats with 24 points.

Alba Berlin are through to the Top 16 also after a 67-64 win over Asseco Prokom in the German Capital.

Dashaun Wood’s 14 points led the Berliners to victory as they improve to 5-3 in Group B while Asseco Prokom are out with a 1-7 record.

Partizan beat Lietuvos Rytas 75-74 in a nail-biter in Belgrade. Renaldas Seibutis had a chance to win it for the visitors but his shot rimmed out as the Serbians celebrated.

Davis Bertans led Partizan with 14 points while Nemanja Nedovic had 16 for Rytas. Partizan are now 2-6 and tied for fourth with Brose Baskets and and due to play next. The Lithuanians fall to 1-7 and are all but out.

CSKA Moscow won in Bamberg against Brose Baskets 97-89 even tough they are already through to the next phase.

Dionte Christmas led the victors with 21 points with Milos Teodosic supporting with 19. Casey Jacobsen had 18 for Bamberg.

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