Anadolu Efes beat EA7 Emporio Armani 84-70; Qualify for the Top-16 – Euroleague Recap
Anadolu Efes didn’t have the best of the starts to the 2011 Euroleague. However, three wins in as many games have now ensured that the Turkish side moves into the Top-16 of the competition.
The last of these three wins came against EA7 Emporio Armani (84-70) on Wednesday night. Playing in their own back yard, Efes started on a roll with two consecutive three pointers and then capped an 8-0 opening spurt with a layup.
The Italian visitors got their act together midway through the frame and reeled off an 11-2 run of their own to tie the matter at 13 deep.
What followed though was an exhibition of offensive artistry, with the Turks racing away to 13-0 burst, constituting the last two minutes of the first quarter and the first two of the second.
Emporio tried to fight back, but were stunned by another 10 point unanswered run that pushed the lead to 39-19. Efes maintained their hold on the game after that and entered the second half with a lead of 18, 45-27.
The third quarter turned out to be an even affair, with the host countering any possible charge by Emporio. The Italians did manage to slash four points from their deficit, but in the larger picture of the game, it was just not
good enough.
The trend continued in the last 10 minutes as well and the Turks hung tough to seal the win.
Anadolu Efes Head Coach Ufuk Sarica was very satisfied with his team’s display in a win that has ensured their access to the next round;
“Tonight everybody gave a good effort to win the game. Now the remaining two games against Maccabi Electra and Real Madrid will determine our position in the standings. Our main target is to finish the group in one of first two
positions by winning those games."
The real difference between the two teams was the shooting from the two point range. Efes made 26 of their 41shot, whereas Emporio made 45 attempts on the rim, but managed to can only 21 of them. The visitors were also out assisted
17-10.
Sinan Guler was the highest scorer for Efes on the night. He chipped in with 14 points on a 6 of 7 shooting from the floor. Sasha Vujacic and Cenk Akyol posted 12 each while Esteban Batista finished with 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Armani were led by Malik Hairston’s 17 points. Antonis Fotsis had 13 points and 6 rebounds and Ioannis Bourousis also added 13. Stefano Mancinelli finished with11 while Omar Cook tallied 10 points and a team-high 6 assists.
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