Greens miss chance for a break in Madrid

Panathinaikos wasted a great chance it created for itself for a historic break in Madrid, but eventually lost 75-72 in Game 1 of the Euroleague play-offs on Wednesday. It will have another opportunity for that on Friday.

Real Madrid made the most of the home advantage at the start of the best-of-five series that leads to the Final Four to overturn a Panathinaikos six-point lead four minutes from the end, but the Greens have now seen they could make it next time, i.e. in Game 2.

The hosts were on top throughout the match up to the last quarter, advancing by up to 14 points (49-35) early in the second half. However the contribution of players coming from the bench was precious this time for coach Rick Pitino, allowing Panathinaikos to eat into its deficit and turn the 64-56 in Real's favor to a 69-64 lead with 13 unanswered points, and a maximum advantage of six (72-66)...