FC Barcelona 98-86 Panathinaikos: ‘Show-time’ at the Palau

FC Barcelona have beaten Panathinaikos at the Palau Blaugrana in a game in which Mirtoic and Delaney led the way with 23 and 17 points respectively. This latest win allows Svetislav Pesic's side to remain in second place in the Euroleague level on points with Real Madrid. 

Mirotic sets the tone 

Two of Europe's biggest teams met in the Palau and Mitrovic got the game off to an explosive start with two three pointers that put Barça 10-2 up after 5 minutes. The blaugranes maintained their advantage during the first quarter which ended 27-18 in their favour. 

However at the start of the second period Panathinaikos showed why they are top scorers in the competition and rallied to within two points of Barça at 28-26. Nevertheless, the blaugranes remained solid in defence and a three pointer from Kuric gave them a 55-44 at the break. 

Delaney on fire 

The half time break seemed to upset the rhythm of the game and once again the Greeks threatened to get back in the game at 63-60. Barça had other ideas and Kuric, Higgins and Oriola all scored to restore a 10 point lead at 79-69. Delaney added the final touch with 11 unanswered points that brought the Palau to its feet and closed out a memorable victory for the blaugranes at 98-86. 

MATCH STATS:

FC Barcelona 98,

Panathinaikos 86,

FC Barcelona: Hanga (5), Tomic (9), Smits (7), Kuric (6) and Mirotic (23) – starting five – Oriola (7), Davies (12), Higgins (7), Abrines (5) and Delaney (17).

Panathianikos: Papapetrou (10), Thomas (12), Fredette (19), Calathes (13), Papagiannis (6) – starting five– Rice (10), Pappas (-), Vougioukas (2), Johnson (-), Mitoglou (5) and Bentil (3).