Anadolu Efes continued their impressive run in the EuroLeague, defeating Baskonia 92-76 and effectively eliminating them from play-in contention. The Turkish side, led by the dynamic trio of Shane Larkin, Rodrigue Beaubois, and Poirier, showcased their offensive prowess while Baskonia struggled with turnovers and rebounding issues throughout the match.
The game began with a fast-paced tempo, as Anadolu Efes jumped out to an early lead. By the end of the first quarter, they were ahead 28-22, bolstered by Beaubois' 10 points. Baskonia, under the guidance of coach Pablo Laso, attempted to respond, but their efforts were hampered by a series of turnovers that allowed Efes to maintain their lead.
Despite trailing at halftime 49-44, Baskonia showed signs of life at the start of the second half. An 0-8 run propelled them into the lead at 49-52, giving their fans a glimmer of hope. Khalifa Diop contributed six consecutive points during this stretch, but the momentum was short-lived as Larkin quickly found his rhythm.
With just 1:20 remaining in the third quarter, Larkin had only scored 2 points. However, he erupted with two consecutive three-pointers, igniting a scoring spree that culminated in him racking up 14 points in just 10 minutes. This surge helped Efes close the third quarter with a 67-59 advantage.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, Baskonia struggled to keep pace. Despite efforts from Trent Forrest, who led his team with 17 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals, the defensive lapses and continued turnover issues proved too costly. PJ Dozier's three-pointer late in the game sealed the outcome at 83-72, further widening the gap.
For Baskonia, this defeat marked a significant low point in their season. With this loss, they now sit in 14th place in the EuroLeague standings, mathematically eliminated from the play-in tournament. Coach Pablo Laso faces mounting pressure as he navigates a season filled with ups and downs, where the team has struggled to find consistency.
In a post-game analysis, former Baskonia coach Manu Moreno noted that the team seems to be on a “rollercoaster” of results, with their performance not necessarily reflecting the quality of their opponents. He emphasized the need for better cohesion among the players, stating, “The individual quality of the roster is not in doubt, but collectively they struggle to mesh.”
Looking ahead, Baskonia will face Fenerbahçe at the Ülker Sports Arena in Istanbul, with nothing but pride left to play for. Fenerbahçe currently sits in second place with a record of 21-10, having recently edged out Paris 101-100 in a thrilling encounter. The Turkish team has been strong at home, boasting an 11-4 record and remaining unbeaten since December.
Despite the challenges ahead, Baskonia will aim to finish the season on a high note. With Kamar Baldwin as the only injury concern, Laso will look to his players to correct the issues that have plagued them, particularly in terms of turnovers and defensive rebounding.
As the EuroLeague season nears its conclusion, the stakes are high for all teams involved. Anadolu Efes will continue their pursuit of playoff positioning, while Baskonia must regroup and find a way to salvage their season. The upcoming match against Fenerbahçe is a crucial opportunity for them to showcase their talent and finish strong.
In the broader context of the EuroLeague, other teams are also making headlines. Panathinaikos pulled off a stunning comeback against Maccabi, winning 92-99 after a remarkable 14-32 run in the final period, with Juancho Hernangómez leading the charge with 26 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 assists. Meanwhile, Estrella Roja dominated Virtus Bologna, securing an 88-52 victory, further complicating the playoff race.
The competitive nature of the EuroLeague means that every game counts, and with only a few rounds left, teams are vying for critical wins to secure their playoff spots. As the drama unfolds, fans can expect thrilling basketball action in the coming weeks.
