Turks take big Spanish tests

Spanish giants will test the form of two Turkish teams tonight in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague.

Anadolu Efes visits Real Madrid, while Galatasaray MP hosts Regal Barcelona in two intriguing battles in Europe’s top-level basketball competition.

Like Real Madrid, Efes is one of the four teams that have a 2-2 record in Group C, along with Partizan and Emporio Armani.

After losing to group leader Maccabi Electra at home, Efes cannot afford to lose for the second time in a row.

Galatasaray is third in Group D, behind overwhelming favorites Regal Barcelona and Montepaschi Siena.

Efes is coming off a high note after beating Galatasaray in a Beko Basketball League match on Nov. 13.

“The away game against Real Madrid will be a very difficult one. But just like the other games, we are concentrated very seriously on this game,” point guard Doğuş Balbay was quoted as saying on the official Euroleague website. “After winning against Galatasaray in the Turkish League, we will go to Madrid with high morale. If we play our own game and are smart on the offense and stop them defensively, I think that we can return with a win.”

Anadolu Efes swingman Tarence Kinsey’s participation is in doubt due to injury, while big man Kerem Gönlüm remains sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury.

Euroleague debutant Galatasaray has a tougher task, since Barcelona is one of the two teams that has started the competition with a perfect 4-0 record.

Galatasaray vs. Barcelona starts at 8 p.m., while Real vs. Efes begins at 9 p.m. Turkish time. Both games will be shown live on NTV Spor.