Anadolu Efes Topples Leader Panathinaikos

In Round 9 of EuroLeague, Anadolu Efes beat Greek side Panathinaikos AKTOR 83-68 at home. With this win, the navy and white team earned their fourth victory in the competition. Panathinaikos suffered their second defeat and played the lowest-scoring game of their season.

Both teams traded baskets in the first period. Anadolu Efes built an 11-21 lead by the 8th minute. The Greek side recovered and put together a 7-point run, and Anadolu Efes closed the first quarter ahead 21-18.

In the second quarter, the home team played tough defense and forced their opponent into turnovers. Anadolu Efes extended their lead to 12 points in the 17th minute and went into the break ahead 45-37. In the third period, the team that controlled the tempo of the game entered the final 10 minutes leading 61-51.

Panathinaikos opened the last quarter with a 7-point run and cut the deficit to 3 points in the 32nd minute. However, back-to-back three-pointers from Payne and Malcolm for Anadolu Efes pushed the lead back to 15 points. The home team won 83-68 and left the court victorious.

For Anadolu Efes, Malcolm scored 15, Fernando 15 and Payne 14 points to lead the way. For Panathinaikos AKTOR, Nunn led all scorers with 17 points.