By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes endured a rough patch, losing three straight EuroLeague games, but with the arrival of new head coach Pablo Laso, the Istanbul team is showing signs of revival.
Under the Spaniard’s leadership for the first time, Anadolu Efes claimed a big road victory in Kaunas, defeating Zalgiris 64–84.
Cole Swider erupted, leading the winning side with 18 points, while Vincent Poirier contributed 14 points and six rebounds. Jordan Loyd added 12 points, but it was Nick Weiler-Babb who orchestrated the victory, dishing out 13 assists while also scoring seven points and grabbing four rebounds for a game-high PIR of 21.
On the other side, Nigel Williams-Goss scored 11 points and Sylvain Francisco added 10 in what was one of Zalgiris’ worst performances of the season.
Efes built a double-digit lead early in the first quarter, but Zalgiris responded with strong defense, limiting the Turkish side to just nine points in the second period and cutting the deficit to 35–37.
However, Anadolu Efes came out firing after the break, scoring 26 points and reclaiming a double-digit lead before the final 10 minutes (63–51). The visitors quickly extended the margin to more than 20 points, putting the game out of reach at Zalgirio Arena.