The Lithuanian league (LKL) runners-up broke away just before the halftime break going on a 13-6 run to end the second quarter and head into the locker rooms with a 15-point lead at 49-34.
Panathinaikos showed strength and got back into the game with a couple of minute left on the clock - what was once a 15-point deficit for the Greeks was now erased to five points.
However, Zalgiris’ newcomer Tomas Delininkaitis cut off the last hopes for Panathinaikos by ending his team’s scoring draught with two successful free-throws to seal the game for the Lithuanians.
Martynas Pocius led the Lithuanians with 18 points, Travis Watson and Tomas Delininkaitis both scored 13 while DeJuan Collins added 8 points.
Panathinaikos’ Estratios Peperoglou had a team-high 13 points, Drew Nicholas contributed with 11 as Milanko Tepic finished the game with 10 points and 4 assists for the Greeks.
