By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes grabbed its first win in the 2023-24 EuroLeague by beating ASVEL Villeurbanne 89 – 84 at home. This was the third straight loss for the French side in an equal number of games.
After struggling with 3-20 shots over the first two games, Will Clyburn posted 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists for Efes. Shane Larkin contributed 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists while Darius Thompson and Rodrigue Beaubois dropped 14 points apiece.
“We really locked in on the defensive side until the last minutes and were able to build a big lead in the third quarter,” Larkin said.
“Still got to be better,” he added when asked about his individual performance. “But I think we took a step in the right direction. We have to trust the process, this is a new team and a new chemistry we have to build. We have to be patient, continue to stick with each other, day by day.”
Nando De Colo led ASVEL with 25 points. Mike Scott scored 15 points, Joffrey Lauvergne had 13 points and Paris Lee notched 11 points plus five assists.
Efes led by up to 21 points, being ahead 63 – 42 halfway through the third period. ASVEL began erasing that margin but the hosts retained a steady double-digit advantage.
De Colo scored consecutive three baskets to transform a 83 – 71 deficit to 83 – 77 with 22 seconds remaining but Efes players kept their cool from the line to remain beyond a shooting distance in the last moments.
“We shared the ball and we were really solid defensively especially in the second quarter and we opened the third quarter the same,” Efes coach Erdem Can said. “Then we kind of relaxed and we were out of our defensive principles and made our opponent come back. This is the EuroLeague and we need to stay focused for 40 minutes. Winning at home is important.”
“We didn’t have the same energy for 40 minutes,” ASVEL TJ Parker said. “We came back too late.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Τurkish Airlines EuroLeague