By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
It wasn’t easy, still Fenerbahce BEKO got the job done for the 83-78 over Paris and the 1-0 start in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.
The game was decided in the closing seconds, but despite Paris’ effort, Fenerbahce was in control.
Wade Baldwin with 15 points, Nigel Hayes-Davis with 14 points despite just 1/6 threes, Devon Hall with 13 points plus four assists, and the trio of Tarik Biberovic (11 p.), Erick McCollum (11 p.), and Bonzi Colson (10 p.) scored all in double digits for the hosts.
“We got the win, that’s important, taking care of the home court”, said Hall after the final buzzer and added: “We can’t start again like this in defense, we have to be more physical”.
Fenerbahce dominated the board, taking 19 offensive rebounds, and Paris made 12 turnovers, while dishing just 14 assists.
Nadir Hifi with 21 points, Tyson Ward with 19, and TJ Shorts with 17 points plus seven assists created an admirable trio for the guests.
A fight until the end
Paris wasn’t shy at the start of their first-ever EuroLeague Playoffs game, leading early by eight (19-11) and having a four-point cushion (22-18) at the end of the first period.
Fenerbahce managed to get the 28-26 lead thanks to a three by Bonzie Colson and extended it to six (41-35) after one more by Errick McCollum. Entering the last minute of the second period, Paris trimmed the lead again to three (45-42); however, Wade Baldwin with four straight points built a seven-point halftime cushion for the hosts (49-42).
Paris opened the third period with Tyson Ward also scoring four straight points (49-46) and completed the push, taking the 55-54 lead thanks to a three by Nadir Hifi. After constant lead changes, Fenerbahce closed the period up by one point (63-62) thanks to Devon Hall, with the hosts scoring just 14 points in 10 minutes.
With eight minutes left, the score was tied at 68 with Ward having already 19 points, and anything was possible. Dyson Pierre answered with a big three (71-68). Paris took the lead back (72-71), and McCollum with a big three and a steal that led to two free throws by Khem Birch (76-72) restored order.
Paris couldn’t tie the score or get the lead after that.
Hifi with another three made it a two-point game (80-78) with 67 seconds left, Hayes-Davis made one of two free throws (81-78), Shorts missed, and Baldwin, with 10 seconds on the clock, made it a five-point game (83-78)
Photo credit: EuroLeague