Anadolu Efes secures EuroLeague play-off spot

In the 34th and final week of the regular season of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Anadolu Efes faced Lithuanian side Zalgiris Kaunas at the Basketball Development Center. Efes finished the first period, which began with baskets from both teams, with a 22-14 lead.

Taking control of the game in the second quarter, Efes ended the first half with a 12-point lead at 49-37. Continuing their effective play in the third period, the blue-and-whites entered the final quarter leading 71-64.

Although Zalgiris Kaunas narrowed the gap in the first part of the fourth period, Efes won the match with a score of 87-77.

While Shane Larkin and Jordan Nwora were the architects of the victory for Efes with 13 points each, the 12 points scored by both Sylvain Francisco and Edgaras Ulanovas for Zalgiris could not prevent the defeat.

Following this result, A. Efes achieved their 20th victory of the regular season and secured their spot in the EuroLeague play-offs.

Referees: Miguel Angel Perez, Uros Nikolic, Hugues Thepenier

A. Efes: Shane Larkin 13, Jordan Nwora 13, Elijah Bryant 7, Rolands Smits 11, Darius Thompson 9, Perry Dozier 11, Vincent Poirier 6, Doğuş Özdemiroğlu, Ercan Osmani 10, Dan Oturu 7, Erkan Yılmaz, Derek Willis

Head Coach: Luca Banchi

Zalgiris Kaunas: Mantas Juzenas, Isaiah Wong 10, Sylvain Francisco 12, Ignas Brazdeikis 11, Dovydas Giedraitis 2, Laurynas Birutis 10, Matthew Mitchell 4, Bryant Dunston 4, Brady Manek 2, Deividas Sirvydis 10, Edgaras Ulanovas 12

Head Coach: Andrea Trinchieri

1st Period: 22-14 (In favor of A. Efes)

Half-time: 49-37 (In favor of A. Efes)

3rd Period: 71-64 (In favor of A. Efes)

News Source: İHA