By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In an extraordinary and crazy match in Vitoria, Laboral Kutxa beat Anadolu Efes 92-90 in overtime, with Cedi Osman missing a three-point shot at the buzzer to give his team the victory.
26 seconds before the end, Velimir Perasovic’s team was in front by three points (78-75), but a tip-in by Derrick Brown, one second before the end, led the game to overtime (81-81). In the extra time, it was a close derby, with Laboral having a two-point advantage (92-90), but Osman missed the last shot and the Spaniards were victorious in the match.
For the winners, who claimed their third win in group B, Giannis Bourousis was dominant with 18 points and 11 rebounds (double-double), with four more players in double digits. On the other hand, Thomas Heurtel was impressive with 26 points and six assists, as the Turks suffered their second defeat in the group.
Anadolu Efes made a good start to the game and took a small lead from the beginning and retained it until the end of the first quarter (16-18). The situation remained the same in the second quarter, as no team could take a significant advantage. As a result, the Turks were in front by five points at the end of the first half (28-33).
In the second half, Efes extended their lead to 11 points with a 8-0 run (40-51), but Laboral responded and with a 12-6 run of their own, they cut the deficit to five points after 30 minutes in the game (52-57). In the last quarter, the Spaniards immediately made an 8-3 run and tied the game (60-60). It was a close derby since then, with Anadolu Efes regaining the lead (67-73). Laboral, though, made an 11-2 run and was in front by three (78-75), 26 seconds before the end. But, Derrick Brown said the last word and led the game to overtime (81-81) with a tip-in, one second before the end of the game.
In the extra time, the Spaniards took a five-point lead (92-87), 85 seconds before the end, but Efes cut the deficit to two points (92-90). Cedi Osman, though, missed a three-point shot at the buzzer and Laboral won the game.