By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
After two defeats to Barcelona and Real Madrid at the opening of the season in the EuroLeague, Anadolu Efes secured their second consecutive win at home, defeating the third Spanish team in the elite competition, Valencia, 77-73 after a great battle at Sinan Erdem Dome.
Shane Larkin led the winning side with an all-around game, scoring 15 points along with eight rebounds and six assists. Rodrigue Beaubois added 14 points, while Will Clyburn and Darius Thompson contributed 13 each. Tyrique Jones also reached double digits with 10 points.
“In the second half we locked in on the defensive end. Rebounded the ball against one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the EuroLeague. We battled, got rebounds, got on transition, and we were able to get a big win at home,” were Larkin’s first words after the victory.
Damien Inglis scored 13 points for Valencia, with only Josep Puerto joining him in double figures with 10. Chris Jones came close to a double-double, scoring nine points and grabbing eight rebounds.
Teams were almost constantly changing in lead, with no side managing to pull away. Valencia briefly led 41-50 in the third quarter, but from that moment Anadolu Efes started taking control. The hosts made a 16-3 run leading up to the final 10 minutes. Valencia managed to respond, but Erdem Can’s team managed to stay in front throughout the fourth period, eventually taking the win.
“I would like to congratulate our opponent Valencia , they fought great until the last moment. I also congratulate my players because they were aware of the importance of the match. They tried to stick to our match plan, and our energy level in the third quarter was the key to the victory,” Erdem Can said after the game.
Anadolu Efes will travel to Piraeus next week to face Olympiacos on the road in Round 5, while Valencia will meet Zalgiris and their 15.000 fans in Zalgirio Arena.
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague