Anadolu Efes revisits Fener after away win

ISTANBUL

Euroleague runner-up Anadolu Efes will pay a second consecutive visit to Fenerbahçe’s Ülker Arena on June 15 in a bid to expand its 2-1 lead in the Turkish Basketball League title race.

The Istanbul giant beat its city rival 74-57 in an away game late on June 13 .

“We showed our character from the start of the game,” a triumphant Efes coach Ergin Ataman said after the game, praising his side for a tight defense.

“We forced Fenerbahçe Beko to long shots,” he said.

Fener coach Zeljko Obradovic agreed with that summation.

“I think they deserved the win,” he said.

The Serbian boss thanked Greek guard Kostas Sloukas for appearing in the game only two days after the death of his father.

The visiting side secured an important victory with guards Rodrigue Beaubois and Shane Larkin on fire. The duo scored 19 points each against Fenerbahçe.

Anadolu Efes’ French forward Adrien Moerman also produced 16 points while teammate Vasilije Micic tallied 15 points in the derby.

Fenerbahçe Beko’s top scorer was Serbian forward Nikola Kalinic, who produced 17 points. The home team’s Turkish point guard Ali Muhammed tallied 13 points.

Fenerbahçe’s Italian star Nicolo Melli scored 11 points, but the team was unable to avoid the loss.

The fifth game of the best of seven series will be held on June 17 at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall on the European side of the city.