By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes has the habit of closing the regular season strong, still, nobody expected that the Turkish side would put on a show in Belgrade against Partizan.
That’s, however, the story of the game, with Anadolu Efes getting the 97-65 win over the Serbs and tying Real Madrid and Milan at 16-14 between the 9th and 11th positions.
On the other hand, not only did Partizan drop to 15-15 and the 12th position of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings, but also lost the tiebreaker to Efes and took a step backward toward the postseason goal.
Darius Thompson with 19 points on 5/5 threes and Elijah Bryant with 18 points led the charge for the guests who had their best game of the season.
“It’s coming down to the end of the season. We want to try to fight for a playoff spot somehow,” admitted Thompson in his postgame interview. “In every game, we have to get out and fight, and in this game, we played well as a team. “
On the other side, Tyrique Jones, Isaac Bonga, and Frank Ntilikina scored 11 points each which was not enough.
Efes dominating
Anadolu Efes had a great start in the game, getting an early eight-point advantage (24-16) after a three from PJ Dozier against his former team. At the end of the first quarter, the score was 24-18 and Efes remained in charge, pushing the lead to nine points (30-21).
That was the start of a 19-8 run for the Turkish side, which had a 49-28 lead after a three by Bryant. The halftime score was 54-33 in favor of the Turkish side, which seemed unstoppable while Partizan had 2/12 threes.
Things got even worse for the hosts in the second half, or better for Efes if you want the flipside.
Despite playing at home, Partizan scored just 12 points in the third quarter, trailing by 28 points (73-45) at the end of the third period and the game was over.
Efes was in total control, led even by 34 points (97-63)
PHOTO CREDIT: EuroLeague