By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes had everything under control in a convincing 102-77 road win over KIROLBET Baskonia in Round 12 of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
Shane Larkin led Efes to a 10-2 record with 24 points on 8-9 shooting (5-6 threes) as they keep the first place. Sertac Sanli was also locked in with 18 points with all nine of his shots going in.
Vasilije Micic and Chris Singleton both added 13 points with Micic dishing nine and Larkin, who logged 37 PIR, eight assists.
For Baskonia, which now holds a 5-7 record, Tornike Shengelia scored 20 followed by Nik Stauskas and Shavon Shields with 16 points each.
“Everybody in my team enjoys playing together”
Efes coach Ergin Ataman has been very satisfied with his squad this season, especially during the past month and he believes if they stay healthy and keep it up, they have a very good chance to reach the Final Four and win it: “We’ll try, of course. Now is a very good time for my team, we’re in very good shape, we’ve played great basketball but you know, the season is too long. I hope all my players will be healthy and I hope Bryant Dunston will come back soon, maybe in two, three weeks and then we’ll see. We have the potential but we need also some luck and what’s important is that everybody in my team enjoys playing together. This is the way to return to the Final Four and maybe this time win the cup,” he said.
Ataman also shared some words on Larkin who’s been putting great performances and the coach called him “the best player in Europe right now.”
Efes was in control from the very beginning leading 26-16 after ten minutes and increasing the gap to 55-35 at halftime. They shot from all cylinders including nine threes and great control of their own paint.
“They just steam-rolled us”
Baskonia coach Velimir Perasovic had no choice but to just admit that the opponent was stronger and deserved the win without a doubt: “From the first quarter on, they showed that they were stronger than us, more powerful than us and we just couldn’t compete. It’s frustrating but they just steam-rolled us and we weren’t able to compete against their depth. So, we have to congratulate them.”
The second half was more balanced but Baskonia couldn’t cut the deficit below 20 points (58-38) while Efes led by as much as 31 points (98-67) and sealed the win without any trouble.
Photo Credit: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague