Anadolu Efes maintains momentum with Malaga win

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Anadolu Efes' US guard Jordan Farmar (L) vies with Unicaja's Slovenian guard Zoran Dragic (R) during the Euroleague basketball match Unicaja vs Anadolu Efes on February 1, 2013 at the Palacio de los deportes J.M. Martin Carpena sports hall in Malaga. AFP photo

Turkish side Anadolu Efes continued its impressive form in the Euroleague top 16, beating Spanish rivals Unicaja Malaga 78-73 on Friday. 

After its fifth consecutive win, Anadolu Efes is now in second place of Group E with a 5-1 record. With the home defeat, Malaga saw its chances of securing a playoff place fade further, with its fourth loss in six games.

Efes took the lead early in the second quarter and increased the gap to 47-31 soon after the break. However, Malaga pulled off a quick comeback in the third quarter and managed to take a 66-65 lead. Nevertheless, Efes managed to hold its nerve in a thrilling end to the game, coming back to earn a precious victory in their path to the playoffs.

Former NBA talent Jordan Farmar lead his team with 15 points and 5 assists, while veteran Kerem Gönlüm scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Turkish international Semih Erden netted 11 points for Efes. 

Luka Zoric’s scored 20 points for the hosts, while Marcus Williams and Earl Calloway each added 15. 

Efes Anadolu will try to maintain its good form in a mouthwatering home match against the undefeated leader of the group, Real Madrid, on Feb. 14.