Panathinaikos defeated Fenerbahce 76-67 in Athens in the Euroleague Top 16 on an emotional night in the Greek capital.
The vital win for the hosts, who improve to 6-5 in Group E and own the head-to-head over their Turkish rivals, was overshadowed though by the return of Fenerbahce coach Zeljko Obradovic. The ex-Panathinaikos coach, who had been in the helm for 13 years, helped the Greens to multiple domestic and Euroleague crowns before stepping down in 2012.
One of Obradovic’s former pupils and now coach of Panathinaikos, Fragiskos Alvertis had the best of this night though, along with Michael Bramos who paced the winners with 23 points, including seven three-pointers, tied for a Euroleague-high.
Alvertis was just as emotional, post-game.
“We had and showed a great character and desire to win this game and keep our possibilities alive,” he said. “Victory is what it counts most, but from the other side Panathinaikos proved tonight why it is considered and really is a great club. I am here for the last 24 years and I know what the Green legacy means.”
Emir Preldzic led Fenerbahce with 13 points on a disappointing night where this loss drops them to 5-6 and with a mountain to climb if they are to progress to the last eight.
Real Madrid took charge of Group F with a comfortable 93-79 win over CSKA Moscow thanks to a masterclass from Rudy Fernandez.
The Spanish international paced the Liga Endesa leaders with 28 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists as they breezed clear in the final quarter to seize top spot due to point differential. Both teams have recorded wins against each other and both by 14 points. Both own 9-2 records.
Both teams are assured of a last spot.
Marcus Williams scored a last-gasp bucket to hand Lokomotiv Kuban an 86-85 win away at already eliminated Zalgiris.
Derrick Brown and Richard Hendrix led the Russian side with 15 points each as they move to 5-6 in the group. Zalgiris, who drop further at the bottom on a 1-10 record.
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