Harder than expected, he won Panathinaikos the first ticket to the semi-finals of the Greek Cup: 79-72 AEK in Heraklion.
The “greens” escaped for the first time at the end of the first half with a 7-0 run. The score became 39-30 with a three-pointer by the unstoppable Dinos Mitoglou in the exhalation and the difference widened in the third period (59-45). “Union” reduced to 59-55 and later 74-70 with Austin Hollins three-pointers, but a mistake by Randle and 2/2 shots by Grant at the crucial point sealed the victory of Panathinaikos.
Ergin Ataman’s Panathinaikos played in full, after Kostas Slukas returned with 2 points in 10 minutes of participation. Leading Mitoglou scored 17 of his 22 points in the first half. Matias Lessor added 16 and 10 rebounds, Jerian Grant 13, Kendrick Nunn 12 and Marius Grigonis 11.
From AEK of Ilias Zouros, who played without the injured Tilman, Mindaugas Kuzminskas stood out, scoring 18 points in his comeback game. McRae 14, Randle 10, Hollins 8 also distinguished themselves.
Panathinaikos’ opponent in the semi-finals will emerge from the traditional Thessaloniki derby between Aris and PAOK, on Thursday night (9 pm). In Friday’s quarterfinals, Olympiacos will face Peristeri (6 p.m.) and Prometheus will face Panionios (9 p.m.).
The semi-finals will be held on Saturday and the final on Sunday evening. The final-8 is hosted, as last year, at Dio Aorakia of Heraklion.
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