BarcelonaDeed in Istanbul. Barça beat Anadolu Efes, the reigning Euroleague champions, in a game that was resolved in overtime (93-95). The Barça team recovered a 12-point disadvantage against the Turkish team in an epic afternoon. Sertac Sanli, who scored 24 points with 4/5 triples, was one of the heroes on a day when Sarunas Jasikevicius had the casualties of Nick Calathes, Cory Higgins and Alex Abrines at Sinan Erdem Sports.
“We watched a great basketball game and we had some really exciting moments. It’s the wafer to end up winning these kinds of games. The team has grown, especially the youngsters,” Saras said. The Lithuanian coach highlighted the match of Sergi Martínez, who did a very complete job. “On defense he is very solid and on offense he knows what to do, he is doing more and more things,” he added.
Ergin Ataman was sacked by Chris Singleton, who played 214 consecutive Euroleague games. Anadolu Efes took a beating in the match and came to have a seven-point disadvantage against a Barça that starred in a good staging (5-12), but when it took an offensive pace its scoring production was he fired. The Turkish side, who threw 18 free throws in just 20 minutes, scored 47 points in the first half, which closed with a 10-point local lead (47-37).
The second half did not start well for Barça, who ended up with a 12-point disadvantage (57-45). Jasikevicius tactically shook the game with Nikola Mirotic, Pierre Oriola and Brandon Davies on the floor. Tactical innovation dislodged the Turkish rival, who also had trouble stopping Sanli. The Turkish pivot played the best match against his former teammates in the Catalan shirt. The Catalan team could have sentenced the victory, but with five points and a minute to play Nigel Hayes-Davis missed two free throws and Anadolu Efes forced extra time (80-80).
In extra time, Barça were left without Mirotic and Anadolu Efes, without Larkin or Ataman, who was sent off for two techniques. The Catalan team was able to build a difference of seven points (84-91), but again suffered to close a game of those who are fans.
Intense weekend
Barça will play again on Sunday (6.30pm, Movistar Deportes), when they host Bitci Baskonia. The other two Catalan teams in the Endesa League are also playing at home this weekend. The Baxi Manresa, which has been reinforced with the pivot Ondrej Hustak, receives this Saturday (20.45 h, Movistar Deportes 1) the Lenovo Tenerife. Joventut de Badalona, meanwhile, will face UCAM Murcia on Sunday (5pm, Movistar Deportes 1).
