SOFIA — Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Panathinaikos 92-88 in EuroLeague action, with the game decided in the final seconds at Arena 8888 in Bulgaria's capital. Chris Jones was crucial from the free-throw line down the stretch, sealing a vital victory that brings the Israeli squad closer to EuroLeague playoffs.
The matchup began in an intense atmosphere in Sofia, where nearly 5,000 Greek fans traveled to support Panathinaikos. The Greek team found offensive production in Juancho Hernangómez, who posted 17 points and 7 rebounds, and in the playmaking of Kostas Sloukas, who contributed 14 points and 8 assists. Kendrick Nunn also chipped in with 15 points, though he struggled from beyond the arc (1/5 on three-pointers), and Cedi Osman added 12 points.
Hapoel Tel Aviv, meanwhile, kept pace thanks to the offensive leadership of Antonio Blakeney, the game's leading scorer with 19 points, and Elijah Bryant, who added 18. Vasilije Micic contributed 14 points and 4 assists, while Tai Odiase, returning from injury, provided 12 points to keep the hosts competitive throughout the contest.
The game remained tight until the final minutes, when Hapoel Tel Aviv and Panathinaikos entered a back-and-forth exchange that left everything in doubt on the scoreboard. That's when Chris Jones stepped up in the crucial moments.
With 26 seconds remaining, Jones converted two free throws to make it 90-88. On the next possession, Kendrick Nunn missed his attempt and committed a foul, allowing Hapoel's point guard to return to the line and make two more free throws that sealed the 92-88 victory. Panathinaikos still had a few seconds to attempt one final play, but couldn't even get a shot off.
With this victory over Panathinaikos in EuroLeague play, Hapoel Tel Aviv improves to 21-13, plus one game in hand, taking a major step in the race to finish in the top six of the EuroLeague standings and secure a direct playoff berth.
Panathinaikos, meanwhile, falls to 20-15 and remains locked in a tight battle to secure its position in the upper tier of the table in the final EuroLeague matchdays.