MUNICH, GERMANY – Anadolu Efes Istanbul pulled off a dramatic, last-second victory against Bayern Munich on Thursday, March 12, 2026, winning 81-80 in a EuroLeague contest that saw the Turkish side trailing for the entirety of the game. The win, secured by a clutch three-pointer from Cole Swider, improves Anadolu Efes’ record to 10-21 in the EuroLeague standings.
The game, played at the BMW Park in Munich, was a back-and-forth affair, with Bayern Munich maintaining a lead for the vast majority of the 40 minutes. Anadolu Efes, however, refused to concede, battling back to create a tense finish. Swider’s game-winning shot came with mere seconds remaining, capping off a remarkable comeback for the Istanbul-based team.
Latvian forward Rolands Šmits saw 11 minutes and four seconds of playing time for Anadolu Efes, contributing five points to the team’s total. Šmits connected on one three-pointer and two free throws, adding one rebound, one assist, and drawing two fouls. He also committed one turnover and one personal foul, finishing with an efficiency rating of four, according to game statistics.
Jordan Loyd led Anadolu Efes in scoring with 20 points, whereas Perry Dozier added 12 points and four rebounds. Šehmus Hazer also chipped in with 11 points for the winning side. For Bayern Munich, Xavier Rathan-Mayes and Andreas Obst were the top scorers, with 15 and 13 points respectively, but their efforts weren’t enough to secure the victory.
The victory is particularly significant for Anadolu Efes, who have faced a challenging season in the EuroLeague. The team has struggled to identify consistency, but this win demonstrates their resilience and ability to compete against top-tier opponents. The game was a testament to their determination, as they overcame a persistent deficit to secure a crucial win on the road.
This game marked Šmits’ return to action after a period of absence, and his contribution, though modest in terms of points, was valuable for the team. His presence on the court provided a boost, and his ability to contribute offensively and defensively will be crucial as Anadolu Efes looks to improve their standing in the EuroLeague.
Elsewhere in the EuroLeague on Thursday, March 12, Dubai defeated Victoria-Baskonia 100-94 in Sarajevo. Dwayne Bacon led Dubai with 23 points, while Mamadi Diakite recorded a double-double with 27 points and 12 rebounds for Baskonia. Notably, Dāvis Bertāns was not in the Dubai lineup for the game, and Rodions Kurucs was unavailable for Baskonia.
Anadolu Efes currently occupies the 18th position in the EuroLeague standings with 10 wins in 31 games, while Bayern Munich sits in 14th place with a record of 14 wins and 17 losses. The EuroLeague season continues with teams vying for playoff positions as the regular season progresses.
The dramatic finish in Munich highlighted the competitive nature of the EuroLeague, where every possession matters and games can be decided in the final seconds. Anadolu Efes’ victory serves as a reminder that even when facing adversity, a determined effort and a clutch performance can lead to success.
What’s Next: Anadolu Efes will return to action on March 19th against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet in Istanbul. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM local time (UTC+3). Fans can follow the game live on EuroLeague TV.
What are your thoughts on Anadolu Efes’ thrilling victory? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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