CSKA, Panathinaikos shine on defense in semis
Defense was the name of the game on semifinal Friday at OAKA in the Greek capital. CSKA Moscow held Unicaja Malaga to just 50 points in the early game, in which Theo Papaloukas shined with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. The game was tied at 44-44 through three quarters before CSKA pulled away to win 62-50.
Then Panathinaikos Athens bested Tau Ceramica Baskonia 67-53 led by Mike Batiste's 15 points and 12 rebounds. Sani Becirovic also scored 15 for the winners. Panathinaikos led from start to finish to the delight of thousands of Greens’ fans in the sold-out stands as Panathinaikos returned to the EuroLeague final for the first time since winning the 2002 title in Bologna, Italy.