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Despite a coaching change, Anadolu Efes is still in trouble and couldn’t make a fresh start in the French capital.
On the contrary, Paris seems to be back on track after getting the 88-84 win over the former back-to-back champions.
The French side had a 12-8 record, while Efes dropped to 10-11 and a tie with Partizan. It was the first win of Paris after five defeats and their second of the season over Efes.
Once more TJ Shorts with 17 points and eight assists made things happen for the winning side and Nadir Hifi added 14 points.
“We had to dig ourselves out of that hole”, said Shorts referring to breaking the losing streak.
Elijah Bryant scored 21 points for Efes, Vincent Poirier had 14 points and Shane Larkin added 13 which were not enough for coach Luca Banchi’s team.
Closing it the right way
Paris at home set the tone early, leading 19-10. Rodrigue Beaubois with a three for Efes trimmed Paris’ advantage to six points (19-13) at the end of the first period.
However, Paris didn’t lose control and remained in the driver’s seat leading by seven (37-30) with three minutes left. Then suddenly, Efes turned things around and closed the first half with a 9-0 run, leading by two (39-37) as Poirier scored 10 points.
With the game balanced, the third period ended tied at 59, and with three minutes left the score was tied again at 76 with Elijah Bryant making a goal-foul.
Everything started from scratch, but Paris managed to get a quick 9-2 run (85-78) creating a solid distance with 45 seconds left. The hosts simply executed better and TJ Shorts with two free throws (87-81) sealed the deal.
Larkin had the time to make a big three (87-84) and Efes fouled Kevarrius Hayes with three seconds left, he made one of two free throws and the game was over.
Photo credit: EuroLeague