Fenerbahce edged Anadolu Efes 73-72 in Game 2 of the Turkish Super League semifinals, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.
Fenerbahce now sit one win away from finals, where they would face the winner of the Besiktas-Bahcesehir semifinal series, currently led 1-0 by Besiktas.
After Vincent Poirier made life difficult for Fenerbahce’s interior offense in Game 1, many expected the home team to have fewer problems following the center’s serious injury. Instead, things became even more challenging.
The Anadolu Efes reserves, given greater freedom by head coach Pablo Laso, stepped up in a big way. Jordan Loyd got the visitors going offensively, while Rodrigue Beaubois provided additional scoring punch, helping Anadolu Efes take an 18-16 lead after the opening quarter.
Loyd continued his strong play in the second period, knocking down three-pointers and energizing his team while frustrating the home crowd with his celebrations. Just like in Game 1, Anadolu Efes managed to build a significant advantage and went into halftime comfortably ahead, 47-32.
As expected, Fenerbahce, the EuroLeague’s top defensive team this season, tightened up defensively after the break. The third quarter was marked by a costly sequence from Ercan Osmani, who first committed a foul near midcourt that sent Talen Horton-Tucker to the line for three free throws, then picked up a technical foul moments later. From that point on, momentum completely shifted.
Wade Baldwin began to lead Fenerbahce’s comeback, steadily cutting into the deficit. By the end of the third quarter, the gap had been reduced to just two points, with Efes holding a narrow 58-56 lead.
The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle. Neither team could create separation, and the score was tied at 71-71 with less than two minutes remaining.
The decisive moments came at the free-throw line. Devon Hall converted both of his attempts, while Jordan Loyd made only one of two, giving Fenerbahce a slim advantage. Several chaotic possessions followed. After Wade Baldwin secured a crucial rebound, it appeared Fenerbahce only needed to protect the ball and wait for a foul.
However, Loyd stripped Baldwin in the backcourt and had a chance to put Efes ahead, only to be denied at the rim by Talen Horton-Tucker. Efes retained possession and put the ball in PJ Dozier’s hands for the final shot. After creating space with a dribble move against Baldwin, Dozier got a clean look but missed from close range as time expired.
Tarik Biberovic led Fenerbahce with 20 points, while Talen Horton-Tucker added 19. For Anadolu Efes, Jordan Loyd paced the scoring with 19 points, and PJ Dozier contributed 12.
Game 3 between the two teams is scheduled for Friday at 7:00 PM.
