GRE - Panathinaikos escape in Game 2 semi-final thriller

ATHENS (A1 Ethniki) – Panathinaikos narrowly avoided defeat in Game 2 of their Greek play-off semi-final at Panellinios on Tuesday night.
 
Greece international Dimitris Diamantidis poured in 13 points and pulled down nine rebounds for Pana, but the late-game specialist proved to be Drew Nicholas.
 
Trailing 73-72 after Devin Smith's second straight three-ball with 14 seconds remaining, Nicholas got open and buried the game-winner from long range with just two seconds remaining for a 75-73 victory.
 
Blown out 88-58 in Game 1, Panellinios fought hard in Game 2 but came up just short against the defending champions who are now just a single victory away from a spot in the finals.
 
"Despite the problems we had, we tried and we played good defense and we were tough," Zouros said.
 
"Panathinaikos were lucky tonight. They hit the last shot and won.”
 
Smith finished with a game-high 22 points, which included makes on three of his six shots from behind the arc.
 
In the other semi-final, Olympiacos lead 1-0 and play at Maroussi on Wednesday night.
 
FIBA