LDLC ASVEL Stuns Anadolu Efes in Istanbul
ISTANBUL, Turkey – In a tightly contested EuroLeague matchup at the Turkcell Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi on Wednesday, March 6, 2026, LDLC ASVEL pulled off a 91-88 upset victory over Anadolu Efes. The result marked Anadolu Efes’ 21st defeat of the season, while ASVEL secured their 8th win, remaining at the bottom of the league standings.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading leads throughout. Anadolu Efes, despite a strong performance from Şehmus Hazer, ultimately couldn’t overcome a resilient ASVEL side led by a dominant performance from Guerschon Yango. This Anadolu Efes result adds another layer of complexity to their already challenging season.
Early Exchanges and a Tight First Half
The match began with a three-pointer from Anadolu Efes’ Weiler-Babb, but ASVEL quickly responded, establishing an early rhythm on offense. Traore and Seljaas proved particularly effective for the French team, helping them build a 10-5 lead within the first five minutes. Anadolu Efes struggled to find consistent scoring opportunities, but a late basket-foul conversion by Lee in the final seconds of the first quarter allowed them to capture a 26-19 lead.
The second quarter saw Anadolu Efes regain some offensive momentum, narrowing the gap to four points at 32-36. Smits and Lee connected on consecutive three-pointers, tying the score at 40-40. A powerful dunk from Swider gave Anadolu Efes their first lead since the opening basket. However, ASVEL answered back, with Thomas hitting a crucial three-pointer in the closing seconds of the half to give his team a 47-49 advantage at the break.
ASVEL Controls the Third, Efes Fights Back
The third quarter saw both teams exchange baskets, but ASVEL managed to maintain control, primarily through their outside shooting. Anadolu Efes struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses, allowing ASVEL to extend their lead. ASVEL finished the third period ahead 68-62.
Anadolu Efes attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, with Smits contributing key baskets to keep them within striking distance. However, ASVEL responded with their own three-pointers, thwarting any sustained momentum from the home team. With the score close in the final minutes, Şehmus Hazer hit a three-pointer to bring Anadolu Efes within one point, but his last-second attempt to tie the game fell short, sealing the 91-88 victory for LDLC ASVEL.
Key Performers
For Anadolu Efes, Şehmus Hazer led the scoring with 20 points, while Lee added 18. Smits contributed 12 points, and Weiler-Babb finished with 8.
LDLC ASVEL was led by Guerschon Yango’s impressive 26-point performance. Seljaas added 15 points, and Heurtel contributed 14. Watson chipped in with 10 points for the winning side.
Game Details
Salon: Turkcell Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi
Hakemler: Tomislav Hordov (Hırvatistan), Jakub Zamojski (Polonya), Alberto Baena (İspanya)
Anadolu Efes: Loyd 5, Weiler-Babb 8, Dozier 6, Poirier 4, Ercan Osmani 4, Şehmus Hazer 20, Lee 18, Cordinier 2, Smits 12, Swider 2, Jones 7
LDLC ASVEL: Seljaas 15, Yango 26, Ajinca, Watson 10, Vautier 7, Heurtel 14, Massa 6, Jackson 2, Lighty 4, Traore 7
1. Periyot: 19-26
Devre: 47-49
3. Periyot: 62-68
Beş faulle çıkan: 36.44 Seljaas (LDLC ASVEL)
The defeat for Anadolu Efes raises questions about their playoff aspirations. The team will need to address their consistency issues and improve their defensive performance to compete at a higher level. For LDLC ASVEL, this victory provides a much-needed boost and a glimmer of hope as they continue their season.
Anadolu Efes will gaze to rebound in their next EuroLeague game, while LDLC ASVEL will aim to build on this momentum. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates and analysis on the EuroLeague season.
