With this result, Anadolu Efes has taken a 2-1 lead in the series. The fourth match of the play-off semi-final series, where the team that reaches three wins will advance to the finals, will be played on Thursday, June 12, at the Basketball Development Center.
In the first period of the match, Beşiktaş Fibabanka found success from outside shots with Needham. Anadolu Efes established superiority over its opponent with points from Willis from mid-range and under the basket. The navy-and-whites, who led for most of the period, extended the lead to 7 points with free throws by Ercan Osmani 42 seconds before the end of the quarter: 26-19. The black-and-whites reduced the gap to 4 points with a three-pointer by Morgan 19 seconds before the end of the quarter: 26-22. Unable to capitalize on the next possession, Anadolu Efes finished the first period leading 26-22.
In the first 5 minutes of the second period, both teams scored from outside shots. Anadolu Efes hit three-pointers with Nwora and Doğuş Özdemiroğlu. Beşiktaş Fibabanka responded to its opponent with successful outside shots from Allman, Mathews, and Morgan. Increasing the tempo towards the end of the quarter, the home team extended the lead to 10 points with a basket by Oturu from under the basket in the 19th minute: 51-41. The black-and-whites reduced the gap to 8 points with a 2-point basket by Yiğit Arslan from under the basket 2 seconds before the end of the period, and Anadolu Efes went to the locker room with a 51-43 lead.
Starting the second half of the match quickly, Anadolu Efes went on a 6-0 run with consecutive three-pointers by Dozier in the 22nd minute: 57-43. The navy-and-whites later extended the lead to 19 points with a dunk by Oturu in the 27th minute: 70-51. Making few mistakes until the end of the period, Anadolu Efes entered the final quarter leading 78-65.
Increasing the tempo in the final period, Beşiktaş Fibabanka went on a 9-0 run with a basket by Yiğit Arslan from under the basket in the 33rd minute: 78-74. The black-and-whites tried to reduce the gap with points from Terry and Yiğit Arslan in this quarter. Towards the end of the match, Anadolu Efes did not allow the gap to close further with baskets by Larkin and won the match 94-87.
ERGİN ATAMAN WATCHED FROM THE ARENA
Panathinaikos AKTOR Head Coach Ergin Ataman followed the Anadolu Efes-Beşiktaş Fibabanka match in person.
Ataman, the former head coach of Anadolu Efes, did not turn down fans' requests for autographs while watching the match.
News Source: AA
