Panionios have promised to battle until the end against Akasvayu Girona in a bid to reach the EuroCup Final Four.

Panionios threw a major scare into Akasvayu in their first meeting, with the game tied at the end of three quarters before a mini-burst by the hosts saw the Spanish club get their noses in front for good at home.

When the second game of the best-of-three quarter-final was played in Athens last week, however, Andre Hutson and Co did something that no other team in the EuroCup had done this season, and that was beat Girona.

		Hutson is averaging 15.3 ppg in the EuroCup.

"When you get to this point, you lose and you're out," said Hutson to PA Sport.

"We know we have to play as hard as we can."

Girona led 54-51 by the end of the third quarter but were then outscored 31-15 over the final 10 minutes to lose 82-69.

Kennedy Winston had 20 points for Panionios, while Hutson was his usual outstanding self with 15. Both players had seven rebounds.

"It's their first lost in Girona, but they had lost in Spain before and they're not unbeatable," Hutson said.

"We want to have the same attitude as in the last game. We feel if we give them a fight early on, that will give us a chance at the end of the game.

"Everyone at the professional level knows it's a win/lose situation."

Girona, who are led by Yugoslavia's former world-title winning coach Svetislav Pesic, has a roster loaded with big names, including Spanish international Marc Gasol and big man Gregor Fucka.

"We see the players on the paper, but once you're on the court, you play basketball and it's a matter of will and the team that plays harder," Hutson said.

Hutson certainly has nothing to be afraid of.

He has been a huge hit in Europe and has played in various countries. In addition to playing at Maroussi in Athens, he spent time at Napoli in Italy's Lega A and with Ural Great in Russia.

He is very comfortable in Athens.

"Over the years, I've started to adapt a little more to Europe," he said.

"It's a little different. It has its upsides. Right now, I live by the beach. It's nice looking out over the water, and going to practice.

"Compared to where I live in Ohio, where there's not much water or a scenic view, this is great.

"Living in Europe has been wonderful. It's nice to go to scenic places and experience different cultures."

This time of year is special in America because of the NCAA Tournament, which is best known as March Madness, and the month has special significance for Hutson because he experienced the ultimate in college sports several years ago by winning the NCAA Final Four with Michigan State.

He still pays attention to the tournament, especially with the Spartans back in this year's tournament.

But Hutson says he was happy at the end of his university career.

"Leaving college is always a good thing," he said.

"Becoming a pro, making money. I've been happy overseas."

As for what Europe has done for him as a player, he has grown up on the court.

"I've developed a little more offense," he said.

"Each year, I'm gaining more knowledge in the European game. It just comes with age, but that allows you to step into a leadership role and it's been good."