Laso: Players Deserve Credit Despite Loss to Bahçeşehir Koleji

Istanbul, Turkey – Anadolu Efes head coach Pablo Laso praised his team’s effort despite a 85-76 defeat to Bahçeşehir Koleji in a Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi match held at the Sinan Erdem Spor Salonu on March 21, 2026. Laso acknowledged the challenging circumstances surrounding the game, coming just days after a demanding contest against Monaco.

“It was a difficult match for us,” Laso said following the game, as reported by multiple sources. “After making a great effort against Monaco, we had less than 48 hours to prepare for this match. We started the first half well, but our opponent came back and took the lead. We missed some straightforward shots, but we increased our energy in the second quarter. We managed to come back despite being down by 18 points. The score difference doesn’t reflect the outcome of the final possessions.”

The loss to Bahçeşehir Koleji marks a setback for Anadolu Efes as they navigate a busy schedule in the Turkish league. The team faced a quick turnaround after their EuroLeague game against Monaco, a factor Laso cited as contributing to the difficulties on the court. The Sinan Erdem Spor Salonu, a major indoor arena in Istanbul, hosted the match, drawing local fans eager to see the competition.

Despite the defeat, Laso emphasized his appreciation for his players’ resilience and determination. He highlighted their ability to fight back from a significant deficit, demonstrating a commendable level of effort. However, he also stressed the need for consistent performance. “I congratulate my players for the fight they showed, but they need to understand that they need to put in the same effort in every game,” Laso stated.

The game saw Bahçeşehir Koleji capitalize on Anadolu Efes’ fatigue, building a lead that proved difficult to overcome. While Anadolu Efes showed flashes of their potential, particularly in the second quarter, they were ultimately unable to close the gap. The final scoreline of 85-76 reflects Bahçeşehir Koleji’s control over the latter stages of the match.

This match is part of the 23rd week of the Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi season. The league is a highly competitive domestic basketball league in Turkey, featuring some of the country’s top teams and players. Anadolu Efes, a perennial contender, will be looking to bounce back from this loss in their upcoming fixtures.

Laso’s comments underscore the physical and mental demands placed on players during a congested schedule. The quick turnaround between games can significantly impact performance, requiring teams to prioritize recovery and strategic preparation. The coach’s focus on consistent effort suggests a desire to instill a higher level of discipline and resilience within the team.

The Anadolu Efes team will need to analyze their performance against Bahçeşehir Koleji to identify areas for improvement. Addressing their shooting accuracy and maintaining a high level of energy throughout the game will be crucial for future success. The team’s ability to adapt to challenging circumstances and maintain a competitive edge will be key as they continue their campaign in the Turkish league.

Looking ahead, Anadolu Efes will aim to regroup and prepare for their next challenge. The team’s schedule will likely remain demanding, requiring them to balance league commitments with potential European competitions. The focus will be on maintaining a high level of performance and building momentum as they strive for championship success.

The next confirmed checkpoint for Anadolu Efes is their upcoming match, details of which will be announced by the league. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress and schedule through the official Anadolu Efes website and social media channels.

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