Olympiacos survived a late thriller at OAKA Altion and edged Panathinaikos (74-76) to sweep the regular season series vs the “Greens” in the Greek Basket League.
Panathinaikos had the chance to tie the game and force an overtime, but Derrick Williams missed the game-tying two-pointer and Olympiacos went on to seal the deal. Meanwhile, the hosts complained about a Moustapha Fall foul to Giorgos Papagiannis in the final play.
If the referees had called the foul, Papagiannis would shoot a pair of free throws and would have the opportunity to tie the game at the end of the regulation. However, there was no call from the referees and the visitors claimed their sixth straight win at OAKA Altion.
Giannoulis Larentzakis led the way for the winners with 13 points, while Isaiah Canaan and Shaquielle McKissic added 12 each. On the contrary, Dwayne Bacon led all scorers with 17 points, while Paris Lee posted 14.
Olympiacos was in control of the game from start to finish, but saw Panathinaikos come back from double-digit deficits multiple times to make it an one-possession game. Eventually, it was the “Reds” that stood tall and earned another victory over their rivals.
Olympiacos improved to 18-0 in the Greek Basket League standings, clinching the home-court advantage in the playoffs. On the contrary, Panathinaikos fell to 14-4, but is still second on the table.
The “Reds” extended their winning streak vs the “Greens” to 12 games in all competitions and have been undefeated vs their rivals since November 2021.
The two powerhouses will face each other again in the EuroLeague, with the game taking place next Friday, March 31, at Peace and Friendship Stadium.
