Panathinaikos AKTOR delivered a commanding performance in the Euroleague, overcoming Virtus Bologna 84 71 and bouncing back in style. The Greek side showcased relentless defensive pressure throughout the night, with Richaun Holmes emerging as the dominant force inside while his parents watched proudly from the stands. Energy flowed from the opening tip as Panathinaikos seized control early and maintained the lead from the first quarter onward.
Intensity defined the hosts start, setting the tone with strong defensive stands and confident execution on offense. Holmes imposed himself in the paint from the outset as Osman added crucial three pointers to give Panathinaikos rhythm and confidence. A decisive 12 4 run at the end of the opening period created a firm 23 15 advantage, capped by a late basket from Smailagic.
Momentum carried into the second quarter as Panathinaikos pushed the margin to 27 15 before Virtus reacted. Morgan and Edwards chipped away at the deficit, cutting it to 29 24 by capitalizing on the home side’s rotation fatigue. Sloukas responded with his first three pointer of the night to restore breathing room at 36 27, although Virtus stayed within striking distance. A buzzer beating triple from Nunn closed the half at 39 33 and reignited the crowd.
The visitors attempted to spark a comeback early in the third period, trimming the gap to 39 37, but Panathinaikos tightened its defensive approach immediately. Fast break finishes by Holmes and Nunn rebuilt the cushion to 44 37, energizing the arena once again. Osman struck from deep while Holmes converted a powerful three point play to extend the lead to 53 40. Hernangomez delivered multiple blocks that stalled Bologna’s attempts to find rhythm, even though Hackett’s late three made it 56 48 heading into the final quarter.
Pressure increased from Virtus in the fourth, yet Panathinaikos remained composed and disciplined. Rogkavopoulos steadied the team with 5 straight points that pushed the scoreboard to 64 53 and reaffirmed control. Nunn took over offensively shortly after, scoring repeatedly to widen the gap to 76 60 and effectively seal the outcome with 2 minutes remaining. The crowd embraced the team’s intensity as the closing moments featured more emphatic defensive stands.
The final 84 71 result reflected a complete performance built on teamwork, aggression and structure. Panathinaikos reaffirmed its competitive identity and reentered the Euroleague win column with confidence, demonstrating once again why it remains one of the competition’s most formidable contenders.
