Massive win for Panathinaikos over European champion CSKA

Panathinaikos has all but confirmed home advantage in the Euroleague play-offs thanks to its huge win over CSKA Moscow on Friday and the simultaneous loss of Fenerbahce at Real Madrid. Meanwhile Olympiakos confirmed it will finish third after going down at Anadolu Efes on Thursday.

The Greens triumphed 85-80 in overtime in Athens after a fascinating game that neither team wanted to lose for its own reasons.

The two teams were neck-and-neck throughout the match at the filled to capacity  Olympic Sports Hall, with the host advancing 45-40 at half-time, the Russians fighting back to go ahead by four (67-63) and the regulation time end 73-73.

Then in overtime Panathinaikos appeared to want the win more than its visitor, and, led by KC Rivers (17 points), Chris Singleton and Mike James (both 13 points), it grabbed the precious victory that makes it a favorite for a...