Panathinaikos fans huddle at OAKA to encourage their team ahead of Greek derby / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Panathinaikos OPAP Athens closed the Euroleague regular season with a 9-19 record and their second road win of the 2021-22 campaign against Fenerbahce, thanks to a Daryl Macon buzzer-beating three-point shot.

Free throws this season

80%12,7Points made:12,7Accuracy:80,3%Place in standings:8Record max:25Record min:4Most made FTs:Daryl MaconTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Now, the Greens turn their attention to the Greek Basket League, where they have a big match coming up on Monday, April 11. Their main rivals, Olympiacos Piraeus, will be paying a visit to OAKA for the second time this season in a game that will largely decide the home court advantage in the postseason.

PAO had prevailed by 81-76 in the first round, but the hosts need one more win against the Reds as the two teams are tied for first place in the standings.

Almost 48 hours before tipoff, roughly 250 Panathinaikos's fans gathered in the parking space, situated just outside the team's locker room at OAKA, in order to give coach Dimitris Priftis and his players a morale boost ahead of the derby.

Fans were singing chants, trying to stimulate the team and asking them to beat Olympiacos in the derby.

Dimitris Priftis and Ioannis Papapetrou spoke with the fans and thanked them for their support and encouragement.

"We'll give everything," Priftis told the gathered crowd. The Greek coach mentioned that the 73-101 blowout that his team suffered at the hands of Olympiacos in Piraeus one month ago will give extra motivation to him and his players.

"The last game at the Peace and Friendship Stadium has hurt us a lot and we want to stop this momentum that Olympiacos have gained. We want you on our side as our 6th player, so that we fight more," he said to the fans.

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