Anadolu Efes remained focused despite losing an early 22-point lead to claim an 84-79 victory over Fenerbahçe.
Efes opened the game with a 23-14 lead in the first quarter and dominated their Turkish league rivals during the first half.
Fenerbahçe was able to come back in the second half, cutting Efes’ lead to three with six minutes remaining for the end of the game. However, the reigning champions kept their composure and ensured an important victory.
The visitors got within a single point several times in the fourth quarter, but Rodrigue Beaubois and Shane Larkin hit three-pointers to preserve the lead. Ergin Ataman’s squad improved to 14-12, while Fenerbahçe dropped to 12-13 for the season.
“We won the game, but we will talk in the locker room that this is not correct. We risked the game. Fenerbahçe made a great effort to come back, but we stopped playing defense, we shot all the wrong shots, and it became a last-minute game,” Ataman said on his team after the game.
Vasilje Micic was once again excellent with 24 points for the winning side. Shane Larkin followed with 10 points, nine assists and five rebounds, while Rodrigue Beaubois had 20 points.
That was the third consecutive loss for Fenerbahçe in the EuroLeague, despite the excellent game from Dyshawn Pierrie.
Key of the Game: Shane Larkin and Rodrigue Beaubois hit consecutive threes. Larkin made the biggest one with 31 seconds remaining, which push the lead to 80-75.
Efes will travel to Monaco next week to face Mike James and co. Fener will be inactive for Round 29 as the Turkish side had a game against CSKA Moscow.
