By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes Istanbul got its fifth win of the season (5-2), after defeating Panathinaikos OPAP Athens, 78-62, in the ‘Sinan Erdem’ arena, despite missing key player, Shane Larkin. Meanwhile, the ‘Greens’ slipped to a 3-3 record.
With incredible defense early on, Anadolu Efes build a double-digit lead (15-5) (08:00) as Adrien Moerman was doing it all offensively. After the end of the first period, the hosts were up by eight points (19-11). In the second quarter, the lead increased to 16 points (40-24) as Rodrigue Beaubois and Krunoslav Simon were scoring from beyond the arc. Ergin Ataman’s overall team performance in the first half was nothing short of dominant, and of course, it resulted in a positive outcome (44-28).
Panathinaikos tried to come back in the third quarter with Nick Calathes and James Gist connecting and cut the deficit to ten points (54-44) but Efes was still in control after 30′ with Micic’s buzzer-beater dunk (60-46). In the final period, the hosts kept this double-digit lead with Bryant Dunston’s emphatic presence down low, and Moerman’s creativity on offense. Eventually, the winners went up by 18 points.
Throughout the game, Efes’ defense on Panathinaikos’ players and especially Keith Langford was critical. ‘Pana’s’ star finished the game with zero points (0/4 FG). It is significant to note, that only two players from the visiting side scored in the double-digits.
“We played very good defense, starting from the first minutes until the last ones. We didn’t give them easy baskets and closed the paint. The guys put out great hustle and finally, Anadolu Efes had its supporters, 7,000 or 8,000. Our strategy was to not give them space, to attack the pick-and-roll, to trap aggressively Lojeski, Langford, Lekavicius, and to stay under the picks with Calathes. We had a great victory, but of course, this is the EuroLeague and we have one more game on Tuesday against Maccabi. We need the same atmosphere, the same aggressiveness, and we need to win again. “ stated Anadolu Efes’ head coach, Ergin Ataman after the game.
The Turkish team’s ‘Big 3’ was impressive on Friday night, as they played a vital role in the win. Adrien Moerman led all scorers with 17 points and six rebounds, Rodrigue Beaubois added 19 points, while Bryant Dunston affected the game offensively and defensively, with 12 points, four rebounds and two blocks.
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