By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Down 2-0 in the best-of-five series, Anadolu Efes landed on the winning end of the three-point shootout to prevail, 103-92, against Fenerbahce Beko Saturday evening.
Shane Larkin dropped a season-high 37 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the BSL Playoffs Finals. The Miami product tucked in 9/14 from beyond the arc highlighting his side’s 19/36 three-pointers. Also hot from downtown, Fener ending up 15/29 fell short of completing the sweep.
Responding to the second brief lead of the visitors in the first half, Larkin drained a three-pointer for a two-point advantage at the break. The 11-3 sprint to start the second half generated the first double-digit lead of Game 3. From there, the team guided by Ergin Ataman kept its distance to force Game 4.
Back-to-back Final Four MVP of the back-to-back Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champions, Vasilije Micic contributed 29 points and seven assists. Tibor Pleiss added 15 points. Rodrigue Beaubois, Adrien Moerman, James Anderson, and Krunoslav Simon were not available.
For the losing side, Pierria Henry stood out with 21 points behind 7/9 field goals. Injured Dyshawn Pierre remained on the sidelines along with Markel Starks, Danilo Barthel, Jehyve Floyd, and Achille Polonara.
Cedi Osman of the Cleveland Cavaliers was in attendance supporting his former club, Efes, in the battle of Turkey’s representatives in the EuroLeague.
A second consecutive meeting in Sinan Erdem Dome for the Istanbul rivals coming up in Game 4 Monday. Game 5, if necessary, will return the series to Ulker Sports and Event Hall later next week.
Photo Credit: Anadolu Efes SK Twitter