Maccabi Tel Aviv has made a solid step in making the EuroLeague playoffs with its third consecutive win in the competition during March.
The Israelis had never fallen behind since the start of the second half and downed Panathinaikos 95-83. Maccabi took control with a 0-12 run to end the high-scoring first half and then never allowed the hosts closer than 5 points in the second.
The Yellows push the lead to 61-76 lead early in the fourth quarter, but Panathinaikos answered with 13-3 run to cut the deficit to 5 (74-79) with 5:45 to go. Maccabi kept ost composure and made their own 3-13 run to take a 79-92 lead and cruise to victory.
Derrick Williams led the way with 17 points plus six rebounds, Jalen Reynolds had 16 points and nine rebounds for the winning side. Nemanja Nedovic had a game-high 21 points for the Greens, who dropped to 7-18.
“We wanted to make a statement today. Our road record hasn’t been that great this year, I think it is the complete opposite of our home record. So we wanted to come out here, make a statement. We’ve been playing consistent the last two weeks, so we just want to keep it going,” Derrick Williams said on his team’s win.
Maccabi improved to 14-11 and climbed to the sixth place of the standings having five consecutive wins in all competition during March.
Key of the Game: Maccabi built their lead to a foundational 0-12 run at the end of the first half and they never lost the lead again to secure the win.
MVP: Derrick Williams shot 4-of-7 from beyond the arc to finish the game with 17 points and a PIR of 23.
Maccabi will face ASVEL on Thursday for round 33 of EuroLeague regular season hoping to close the month with their fourth consecutive win. Panathinaikos will stay at home to play Real Madrid.
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