Anadolu Efes secured another victory in the EuroLeague, defeating Panathinaikos 71:68 in the 12th round.
Anadolu Efes faced significant roster challenges in this game, with Will Clyburn, Rodrigue Beaubois, Ante Zizic, Tibor Pleiss, Derek Willis, Elijah Bryant, and Dogus Ozdemiroglu all sidelined.
Despite the roster issues, the home team had an excellent start to the game, taking an early 14:4 lead. They had an 11-point advantage on two occasions and finished the first quarter leading 23:15.
Panathinaikos attempted to find a better rhythm in the second quarter, but Anadolu Efes’ defense held strong. The home team maintained their lead throughout the second period without significant issues. Although Istanbul’s team had a 37:27 lead, good plays by Kendrick Nunn allowed the visitors to go into halftime trailing by only six points.
At the start of the second half, the visitors continued with improved play. In the middle of the third quarter, they made a comeback, and with a three-pointer from Dinos Mitoglou, they took the lead 45:44. The battle remained intense until the end of the third period. Panathinaikos entered the last ten minutes with a two-point lead.
In the final ten minutes, neither team managed to establish a significant advantage. The question of the winner was ultimately decided in a suspenseful finish. Shane Larkin made three free throws to give his team a 70-68 lead.
Tyrique Jones led his team to win with 21 points, while on the other side, Mathias Lessort and Kendrick Nunn each had 13.
In the next round, the Istanbul team will face Alba Berlin, while the Greek giant will host Real Madrid.
ANADOLU EFES – PANATHINAIKOS 71:68 (23:15, 14:16, 13:21, 21:16)
Arena: Sinan Erdem, Istanbul
Referees: Radovic, Peruga, Peerandi
Anadolu Efes: Larkin 20, Altuntas 0, Tunca 0, Gazi 2, Thompson 7, Yildizli 0, Hollatz 3, Osmani 6, Oturu 2, Daum 8, Yilmaz 2, Jones 21
Panathinaikos: Kalaitzakis 0, Vildoza 5, Guy 0, Balcerowski 5, Sloukas 9, Grant 12, Nunn 13, Lessort 13, Antetokounmpo 0, Grigonis 4, Mitoglou 9, Mantzoukas 0