Justin Robinson scores 13 straight points as Barcelona beats Panathinaikos 76-74 in EuroLeague

Lead lost in the second half

Panathinaikos AKTOR controlled much of the 11th round game in Athens, but a late collapse handed Barcelona a 76-74 win. The home side opened the second half with a 7-0 run to lead 40-32 and reached a 14-point margin, 57-43, after the third period. That third quarter was its strongest, with a 24-11 scoring run. Barcelona then reduced the gap with a 20-9 run in the final period, cutting it to 66-63 in the 36th minute and drawing level at 66-66 in the 37th. Panathinaikos also picked up five team fouls in the closing period.

First half and the bench call

The first period was tightly contested throughout and ended 17-17, with both teams shooting above 45 percent on two-point attempts. Panathinaikos had been level at 22-22 when Željko Obradović pulled his players off the court, unhappy at how easily Barcelona answered its pressure. At halftime the home side led 33-32 despite shooting 4 of 13 from three-point range and committing seven turnovers. Its main scorer had 10 points at the break, and the second half was where Panathinaikos pulled clear.

Barcelona's comeback and Robinson's finish

Barcelona's Tairis Martin provided offensive help in the closing period, and the visitors scored 20-9 in that stretch. Justin Robinson took over after the cut to 66-63, sending the game level at 66-66 in the 37th minute. Depending on the report, Robinson scored either 13 straight points or 14 in the final period, and he finished with 21 points. His three-pointers gave Barcelona the lead about a minute and a half before the end. Panathinaikos had no answer in the final minutes, and a comfortable lead turned into a defeat.

Standings and next round

After the 76-74 result Panathinaikos dropped to 8-3, level at the top of the table with Barcelona, Olympiacos and Valencia, who also stand at 8-3. Real Madrid, Fenerbahce, Dubai and Zalgiris sit on 7-4 in the standings published in the articles. Panathinaikos next plays Virtus Bologna on Tuesday, 17 November, at 22:00. On the same day Barcelona hosts Paris at 21:30, and Olympiacos plays Maccabi Tel Aviv at 19:00.