By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Krunoslav Simon scored 24 points and dished out five assists to set the tone early and then Shane Larkin took over with a season-high 20 points plus seven assists as Anadolu Efes bounced back to wins by crushing Khimki Moscow 105 – 77 on the road.
“A big win for us after losing at home on Tuesday, we came focused,” Larkin said. “It’s a process. Just getting my leg back. Trying to get back into rhythm and helping the team win,” he added regarding his performance.
The game was an Efes monologue, or show if you will, after the 13 minutes. Khimki last led 35 – 33 early in the second period and from that point onward, the Turkish side began assuming control to lead 58 – 51 at halftime.
Efes proceeded to dominate the third period by scoring abundantly and nearly unopposed to overpower its opponents 12 – 28 and turn the game into a blowout down the stretch. Tibor Pleiss contributed 18 points and Adrien Moerman had 14 points plus seven boards for Efes.
Jordan Mickey and Janis Timma were the top Khimki performers with 13 points and five rebounds respectively while Greg Monroe finished with 10 points.