After a thrilling game that was decided in overtime, PAOK came very close to securing a crucial road victory but ultimately fell 114-102 to Panathinaikos AKTOR, who now hold the home-court advantage and lead the Stoiximan GBL semifinal series 1-0.
The series now moves to Thessaloniki and PAOK Sports Arena, where PAOK will host Panathinaikos AKTOR on Saturday (May 30, 14:50), aiming to level the series at 1-1 and force a decisive third game for a place in the Finals.
PAOK was the better team for much of the contest and quickly established a lead. The visitors went ahead 15-21 in the 8th minute and led 23-24 at the end of the first quarter. They maintained control throughout the second period, extending their advantage to five points (38-43), before taking a 45-50 lead into halftime.
PAOK increased its lead further early in the second half. A three-pointer by Melvin pushed the margin to eight points (47-55), and another three-pointer by Beverley extended the lead to nine (54-63). However, the home side responded quickly, cutting the deficit to 60-63 before taking the lead at 67-66 and ending the third quarter ahead 77-75.
Despite Panathinaikos stretching the lead to 83-75 and later 95-84, PAOK found a way back. With an impressive 1-12 run over the final five minutes of regulation, the visitors tied the game at 96-96 on a basket by Tyree, sending the contest into overtime.
Panathinaikos opened the extra period with an 8-0 run to take a 104-96 lead. PAOK reduced the deficit to six points (104-98) but was unable to get any closer as the hosts secured the victory.
Scoring by quarters: 23-24, 45-50, 77-75, 96-96, 114-102 (OT)
Panathinaikos AKTOR: Osman 17 (2), Sloukas 14 (3), Hayes-Davis 18 (1), Samodurov, Grant 6 (2), Kouzeloglou, Nunn 17 (1), Lessort 21, Toliopoulos 13 (1), Hernangómez, Mitoglou 8.
PAOK: Allen 6, Melvin 12 (2), Tyree 18 (3), Koniaris 3 (1), Omoruyi 12, Persidis 9 (1), Iatridis 3 (1), Beverley 17 (3), Fillios 5 (1), Moore 17.