Anadolu Efes defeated Beşiktaş 89-80 in the seventh round of the EuroLeague in Istanbul. The hosts led by 21 points at half-time before Beşiktaş cut the gap to seven in the third quarter. Cameron Payne’s late three-pointers helped Efes hold on for its third victory of the competition.
Anadolu Efes defeated Beşiktaş 89-80 in the seventh round of the EuroLeague.[1], [2]
The game was played at Istanbul’s Turkcell Basketball Development Centre. Efes earned its third victory, while Beşiktaş suffered its fourth defeat. The hosts led 29-17 after the first quarter and 57-36 at half-time.[1]
Malcolm and Saric helped establish the early advantage. Bench contributions extended the margin in the second period, giving Efes a 21-point cushion at the break.[1]
Beşiktaş began the second half with a 10-0 run, bringing the score to 57-46 in the 23rd minute. Metecan Birsen’s three-pointer cut the deficit to seven at 65-58 in the 29th. Efes finished the quarter ahead 68-60. Cameron Payne’s three-pointers helped protect the lead in the final period, and Efes won by nine.[1]
Beşiktaş coach Dusan Alimpijevic said the first-half performance was below his team’s standards, though he welcomed its response after the break. He stressed the need to play well for 40 minutes away to Efes. Efes coach Pablo Laso said his side won three quarters but struggled to protect the ball and attack the basket in the third. He also highlighted rebounding and said defence had set the first-half tempo.[1]
