By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Powered by a 36-point showing in the third quarter, Galatasaray Nef cruised past Anadolu Efes, 105-70, Friday night.
American-born naturalized Bulgarian Dee Bost starred in Game 1 of the best-of-five series. He scored 22 points in just 18:24. Murray State product Isaiah Canaan added 15 points. Kerry Blackshear Jr. and David Kravish ended up with 11 points apiece. Young Turkish forward Sadık Emir Kabaca posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double and Melo Trimble had seven points and a game-high ten assists.
The back-to-back Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champions previously won a do-or-die Game 3 opposite Pinar Karsiyaka, after returning for Belgrade last week. The second challenge in Turkey’s BSL Playoffs, shifting from the Quarterfinals to the Semifinals, was not as kind. The Lions guided by Greek head coach Andreas Pistiolis forced Efes to a loss at home.
The team coached by Ergin Ataman all but surrendered early in the second half since the deficit kept growing. The team labeled as the visitors in Sinan Erdem Dome got out of reach. Egemen Guven posted a team-high 15 points. Tibor Pleiss had 11 points and Chris Singleton wrapped up the double-digit scoring field with ten points to his name.
Game 2 between the pairing of teams based in Istanbul is coming up on Sunday. In the other Semifinals matchup, the top-seeded Fenerbahce Beko and Darussafaka are tied 1-1 in view of Game 3 tomorrow, Saturday.
Following the conclusion of the ongoing stage, a new best-of-five series between the surviving sides will determine the 2021-22 champion.