By Stefan Acevski/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes recorded a victory in Round 13 of the EuroLeague, defeating Barcelona 74-73 at home.
These two teams seem unable to play without drama. Efes played its third consecutive thriller at home and this time came out on top.
The hero was Isaia Cordinier, who grabbed an offensive rebound with 0.3 seconds to go, drew a foul, and calmly converted both free throws. Barcelona had a chance to inbound the ball for a last play, but failed, giving coach Igor Kokoskov’s team the victory.
Barcelona had a double-digit lead late in the second quarter, but Xavi Pascual’s squad collapsed, allowed the Turks to come back, and ultimately lost after a wild ending.
Efes won despite missing Shane Larkin, PJ Dozier, Rodrigue Beaubois, Georgios Papagiannis, and Vincent Poirier, but managed to triumph with a shortened rotation.
Cordinier finished the game with 14 points, Ercan Osmani added one less, while Brice Dessert scored 12.
For the visitors, who were without Juan Nunez, Jan Vesely had 16 points and eight rebounds, while Willy Hernangomez added ten points.
Anadolu Efes now holds a 5-7 record and will visit Monaco in the next round, while Barcelona, now at 7-5, will host ASVEL in their upcoming match.