By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes overcame a sluggish start to secure a vital 101–91 victory over Turk Telekom at Istanbul’s Turkcell Basketball Development Center on Saturday.
This win improved the Turkiye Sigorta Basketbol Super Ligi record to 18–10, narrowing the gap with the Ankara-based visitors that fell to 19–9. Both clubs have already secured playoff berths, but the result provides Efes with significant momentum as they battle for a top-four seed and homecourt advantage in the opening round.
Vincent Poirier led the charge with 20 points on efficient 8-of-12 shooting, though he was forced to exit briefly for further medical assistance following a nose injury during the third quarter. Shane Larkin went for 18 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and four steals, while P.J. Dozier Jr. threw in 16 points and eight assists. On the opposite side, Jaleen Smith set a new career-high with 31 points on 8-of-12 from the field, including seven three-pointers.
Besides Nick Weiler-Babb, Isaia Cordinier, and Giorgos Papagiannis dealing with injuries, unavailable players for head coach Pablo Laso extended to Saben Lee and Cole Swider, who were out due to foreign player restrictions.
Opening Round 28 on Friday, Fenerbahce Beko managed to hold off a late surge from Glint Manisa in Muradiye Sports Hall.
BSL Round 28
Glint Manisa – Fenerbahce Beko 78-82
Anadolu Efes – Turk Telekom 101-91
Bahcesehir Koleji – Tofas (17:00 CET)
Karsiyaka – Safiport Erokspor (26/4)
Trabzonspor – Galatasaray MCT Technic (26/4)
Bursaspor – Onvo Buyukcekmece (26/4)
Yukatel Merkezendi – Mersin Spor (27/4)
Besiktas Gain – Aliaga Petkim Spor DLY
STANDINGS: Fenerbahce Beko 52 (24-4), Besiktas Gain 50 (23-4), Turk Telekom 47 (19-9), Bahcesehir Koleji 46 (19-8), Anadolu Efes 46 (18-10), Trabzonspor 44 (17-10)…