Micic-led Anadolu Efes ease past Zalgiris to fortify 5th position in the standings / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: BNS Credit BNS

Zalgiris Kaunas (7-18) played their second home game of the week, as the Green and Whites welcomed reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champions Anadolu Efes Istanbul (13-10) at Zalgirio Arena.

Player of the Game EFF 21 Vasilije Micic Points 20 Accuracy 6-12 Rebounds 1 Assists 7

Though, the hosts could not overcome the tough obstacle and suffered a heavy loss against Turkish giants 85-71 (23-19, 18-11, 24-10, 20-31).

The magical backcourt trio of Shane Larkin, Rodrigue Beaubois, and Vasilije Micic initiated Anadolu Efes' 9-0 spurt at the end of the second quarter, while both clubs went into the break with EuroLeague winners being in front by 11 points (41-30).

The start of the third period did not predict good trends for Zalgiris as well. Ergin Ataman's squad opened the second half with a 10-0 push and their lead grew up to 21 points (51-30). Shane Larkin continued his successful play.

Anadolu Efes did not let Zalgiris breathe easier during the remaining minutes in the third. The margin between the teams was 25 points (65-40) before the last 10 minutes of the game. The fourth quarter was a mere formality.

Vasilije Micic led the route for Efes, sinking his former team with 20 points (3/6 2PT, 3/6 3PT, 5/6 FT), 1 rebound, 7 assists, 2 turnovers, and 21 PIR.

"I think we finally realized how important defense is after the last two games. We stepped on the court with a good attitude, we had a good approach, first of all defensively. And then in the third quarter, we knew that they were going to try and come back in the game," Micic spoke post-game.

Rodrigue Beaubois was second in the Turks' scoring race, accumulating 15 points (4/4 2PT, 2/5 3PT, 1/2 FT), 2 assists, 2 steals, and 17 PIR.

Tyler Cavanaugh had a career night in the EuroLeague for the losing side. He scored 22 points (4/5 2PT, 3/7 3PT, 5/8 FT), grabbed 7 rebounds, dished 2 assists, and collected 25 PIR.

The EuroLeague's leading rebounder Paulius Jankunas became the first player to pass 2000 boards mark.

He finished the duel scoreless but grabbed a single rebound, which granted the phenomenal milestone.

Joffrey Lauvergne could not help Zalgiris Kaunas due to pain in the neck.

Anadolu Efes: Vasilije Micic 20 (7 AST), Rodrigue Beaubois 15, Tibor Pleiss 12, Bryant Dunston 11 (6 REB), Shane Larkin 10 (8 AST).

Zalgiris: Tyler Cavanaugh 22 (7 REB), Arturas Milaknis 13, Josh Nebo 12 (8 REB).

Highlights

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