Anadolu Efes opened the Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi season with a 95-81 victory over Beşiktaş at the Turkcell Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi, according to match reports. Operating under referees Emin Moğulkoç, Zafer Yılmaz, and Duhan Köyiçi, the home side established control early through paint scoring before expanding their lead behind a strong second-half surge.
First-Half Battle and Inside Scoring Dominance
Anadolu Efes grabbed an early 20-16 advantage at the end of the opening period. The hosts relied heavily on interior baskets during the first quarter to counter Beşiktaş players Berk Uğurlu and Zizic, who kept the black-and-whites close on the offensive end. Although Anadolu Efes missed three attempts from beyond the arc in the first quarter, the introduction of Strazel and Russell opened up perimeter scoring. Beşiktaş answered with three-pointers from Brown and Furkan Korkmaz, but Anadolu Efes steadily pulled away. A turnike basket by Yusta in the 19th minute pushed the lead to 11 points at 43-32, sending the home side into halftime ahead 46-37.
Third-Quarter Surge and Loyd’s 11-0 Run
The hosts blew the game open following the intermission. Anadolu Efes put together a decisive 11-0 run capped by Loyd’s free throw in the 23rd minute, stretching the score to 59-41. Increasing their tempo further, the home team extended the margin to 18 points at 71-53 following a free throw by James. Anadolu Efes carried a comfortable 75-59 lead into the final quarter.
Closing Stretch Led by Saric and James
Buoyed by home-court backing in the fourth quarter, Anadolu Efes maintained offensive pressure. Saric hit a free throw in the 38th minute to build the game’s largest gap at 23 points, making it 94-71. Beşiktaş suffered a late blow when Morgan fouled out at the 37:48 mark. Anadolu Efes cruised through the remaining minutes to secure the 95-81 final score. Saric paced the winners with 16 points and 4 rebounds, while James contributed 11 points and 6 assists.
Match Statistics and Player Rosters
Quarter scores recorded 20-16 in the first period, a 46-37 halftime score, 75-59 after three quarters, and the final 95-81 tally. Complete player lineups and individual scoring from the Turkcell Basketbol Gelişim Merkezi show:
- Anadolu Efes: Saric 16, James 11, Loyd 11, Strazel 10, David Mutaf 9, Ercan Osmani 9, Russell 9, Yusta 8, Fernando 7, Erkan Yılmaz 5, Karutasu, Burak Can Yıldızlı.
- Beşiktaş: Brown 13, Zizic 12, Dejulius 11, Berk Uğurlu 10, Gabriel 9, Furkan Korkmaz 8, Morgan 8, Metecan Birsen 7, Nowell 3, Omoruyi, Wilbekin.
Anadolu Efes defeats Beşiktaş in opening week match
What was the final score of the Anadolu Efes and Beşiktaş derbisi?
Anadolu Efes defeated Beşiktaş 95-81 in the opening week of the Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi.
Which players led Anadolu Efes in scoring and assists?
Saric recorded 16 points and 4 rebounds, while James added 11 points and 6 assists.
Who were the top scorers for Beşiktaş?
Brown led Beşiktaş with 13 points, followed by Zizic with 12 points and Dejulius with 11 points.
Which Beşiktaş player fouled out of the game?
Morgan fouled out at the 37:48 mark of the fourth quarter.