By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Crvena Zvezda secured a victory in the first match of the new year, defeating Anadolu Efes 87-65 in Istanbul in Round 19 of the EuroLeague.
Jordan Nwora was particularly inspired against his former club, finishing with 24 points (4/5 for two, 5/7 for three). Chima Moneke added 16 with eight rebounds, and Ebuka Izundu and Semi Ojeleye had 11 points.
On the other side, only Nick Weiler-Babb was in form, ending with 17 points, while Cole Swider had four points less. The home team was again without Shane Larkin and Georgios Papagiannis, and newcomer Seyben Lee did not play in this game.
After a tied start, Crvena Zvezda broke the game in the second quarter with a 16-0 run, leading 43-23. Efes went scoreless for seven minutes, failed to make a three-pointer in the first half, making a comeback unlikely. Sasa Obradović’s team comfortably maintained the lead to the end, securing the win in Round 19.
Crvena Zvezda now stands at 11-8, facing Valencia in Belgrade next. Anadolu Efes is 6-13, hosting Paris in the following round.