PAO demolish Larisa and advance to Greek finals in Giannakopoulos' return to OAKA / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

In decisive Game 5 of the Greek Basketball League semifinals, Panathinaikos OPAP Athens did not repeat their mistakes and dismantled Larisa Basket 89-43 (28-12, 18-11, 27-12, 16-8) at home to finish the best-of-five series 3-2. The hosts registered the best defensive performance of the season.

2-pointers this season

54%19,4Points made:19,4Accuracy:53,7%Place in standings:10Record max:25Record min:11Most made 2FGs:Georgios PapagiannisTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

PAO advanced to the finals, where they will meet archrivals Olympiacos Piraeus in the series up to three victories.

Powered by Ioannis Papapetrou, who was questionable ahead of crucial Game 5, Panathinaikos started the game with a 12-2 push. They did not release the gas pedal and had plus 16 (28-12) before the second quarter.

The Greens continued their domination in the second tally, arranging a 12-0 spurt and gaining a massive 27-point lead (46-19). The rest of the do-or-die match was just a mere formality.

Okaro White was the top scorer for the winners, posting 17 points (2/2 2PT, 4/4 3PT, 1/2 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals.

Dimitris Itoudis and Dimitris Giannakopoulos attended Game 5 at OAKA Arena. For the latter, it was his first visit since he left the team two years ago.

Eventually, Giannakopoulos left the gym, after some fans called him out in the second quarter.

Credit Vangelis Stolis

Credit Vangelis Stolis

Panathinaikos: Okaro White 17 (6 REB), Nemanja Nedovic 16, Daryl Macon 14 (5 AST), Ioannis Papapetrou 11, Georgios Papagiannis 10 (10 REB), Howard Sant-Roos 8 (5 REB, 7 AST).

Larisa: Ousman Krubally 11 (5 REB), Theodoros Zaras 10, Stefan Moody 6.

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