By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The team of coach Giorgos Bartzokas kept Anadolu Efes to 24 points in the second half on the way to an 85-73 win and they can aim even at the home court advantage.
While Alexey Shved with 16 points and eight assists, Malcolm Thomas with 17 points and Egor Vialtsev with 13 did damage in the offense, the story of the game was second’s half defense and Efes scoring just four points in the last five minutes.
Despite trailing in the first half, Khimki managed to stay focused, come back in the game and got what they wanted without much pressure in crunch time.
Anadolu Efes demonstrated from the first moment that they will not be doing any favors. They led by 11 points in the first quarter (29-18) and Khimki started slowly to get back into the game, finally tying the score at 55 in the 26th minute.
The two teams remained close until the final buzzer. Stefan Markovic with five minutes left in the game made the biggest three of the night (72-69) giving to the guests the lead. After that shot, Efes couldn’t tie the score again. Egor Vialtsev gave a crucial five points advantage (76-71) and the game was over.
Bryant Dunston had an amazing game for the home side. He finished the night with 19 points and seven rebounds. Sonny Weems added 16 points.