Panathinaikos BC AKTOR was defeated by Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet in Belgrade with a score of 86–68, in a game for Round 9 of the EuroLeague Regular Season. Kostas Sloukas led the scoring for the Greens with 16 points.

The home team started the game better and led 6–2 at the 3rd minute, extending to 10–5 by the 6th. At 9’, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet made it 18–11 and closed the first quarter ahead 20–12. The gap grew to 12 points (24–12) at the start of the second period and to 29–15 by the 12th minute.

By the 15th minute, the hosts led 38–17, and two minutes later 42–20, before Panathinaikos BC AKTOR reacted to cut the deficit to 44–32 at 19’. The first half ended 46–32 for Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet, who then extended their lead to 51–32 at 23’. At 26’ the margin reached +22 (55–33), became 62–37 at 28’, and the quarter closed 67–40.

In the final period, Panathinaikos BC AKTOR showed some fight, reducing the 25-point deficit (72–47 at 36’) to 74–59 and later 78–67 at 39’. Despite the late push, the “Greens” couldn’t overturn the game, losing 86–68.

Quarters: 20–12, 46–32, 67–40, 86–68.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet (Obradovic): McIntyre 14, Plavsic, Miljenovic 6, Butler 8, Davidovac 4, Kalinic 7 (1), Dobric 10 (2), Izundu 8, Motiejunas 8, Ojeleye 7, Moneke 14, Dos Santos.
Panathinaikos BC AKTOR (Ataman): Shorts 7, Osman 14 (3), Sloukas 16 (1), Rogkavopoulos 12 (2), Samontourov, Grant 1, Kouzeloglou, Nunn 6 (1), Toliopoulos 3 (1), Grigonis, Hernangomez 7 (1), Mitoglou 2.

Ataman: “We lost control”

Panathinaikos BC AKTOR head coach Ergin Ataman spoke at the press conference following the team’s away game against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet:

“Terrible defense, missed shots, we lost control, and we started the second half in the same way. Some players showed character in the fourth quarter, they didn’t accept losing like that, we tried to come back, but when we cut the margin, we made mistakes again and lost. Congratulations to Olympiacos—sorry, I got confused because the fans were chanting about Olympiacos. Congratulations to Crvena Zvezda.”

When asked about the performances of Nunn and Shorts, the coach replied: “During the season, players have bad games. In some matches, like the one in Istanbul that we won, he wasn’t effective. It can happen. We all know Nunn’s quality as a player—it was a very bad night for him, and in the fourth quarter, we left him out of the lineup. I don’t know why Shorts hasn’t clicked yet. I’m 90% unhappy with his performances. Maybe it’s our issue, maybe it’s his. I know nothing about the rumors.”

Regarding whether Panathinaikos BC AKTOR is looking to strengthen its roster at center, Ataman stated: “We lost three centers. It’s hard to play basketball and defend without a center. We are in the market for a big man who can help us.”