Career night by Alex Poythress leads Zenit over Anadolu Efes / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Nikola Krstic/MB Media/Getty Images Credit Nikola Krstic/MB Media/Getty Images

Zenit Saint Petersburg (13-7) welcomed EuroLeague champs Anadolu Efes Istanbul (10-11) in Russia and reached the convincing victory, 76-67 (17-18, 20-18, 15-6, 24-25).

Player of the Game EFF 27 Alex Poythress Points 21 Accuracy 9-12 Rebounds 9 Assists 1

It was the twelfth Xavi Pascual's win against Ergin Ataman and the total record now stands 12-1.

Seemed that Zenit were firmly controlling the game reins in the fourth period but Vasilije Micic converted a 2+1 play and reduced Efes deficit to single-digits (56-65) with 4:12 to go.

Krunoslav Simon extended successful Anadolu Efes stretch, nailing another and-one (59-65). Dmitry Kulagin let Zenit breathe easier (68-59) but Simon answered him with a duo (61-68). Alex Poythress added a two-pointer on the other side (70-61) with 2:08 left on the clock.

Both clubs were struggling to score, while Billy Baron sealed the deal for Zenit (72-63) with shots from the line.

Anadolu Efes converted 4 treys in 25 attempts (16.0%) and reached their season-low.

Alex Poythress had a EuroLeague career night, posting 21 points (9/12 2PT, 3/3 FT), 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, and 27 PIR.

"It was a great team win. Everybody that played stepped up. We all made plays down the stretch and during the game and we got stops. The whole game was a war. Efes played well," commented Poythress post-game.

"I think it was a game that both teams could have played better in different situations. Defensively, despite the fact that the numbers were very good, we were not in some moments enough. But especially in the third quarter, we played very well," Xavi Pascual said.

Vasilije Micic was the top scorer for Efes, accumulating 22 points (7/11 2PT, 2/5 3PT, 2/2 FT), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 7 turnovers, and 20 PIR.

Points this season

46%74,1Points made:74,1Accuracy:46,0%Place in standings:13Record max:90Record min:58Best scorer:Jordan LoydTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"The crucial moments were the whole game. Out of 25 three-point shots, we made only 4. This is unacceptable. The shots were unacceptable on this level. This is third-division basketball level with these shots. We missed everything. Micic made 7 turnovers, the point guard," Ergin Ataman spoke after the loss.

After the close first half (37-36), Zenit spurted in the third quarter. Xavi Pascual's squad, led by Jordan Loyd, Jordan Mickey, and Alex Poythress, arranged a 13-2 run to create a 12-point lead (50-38).

Zenit only let Anadolu Efes score 2 points per eight minutes of the third period. The Russian team maintained a double-digit advantage (52-42) before the last 10 minutes of the game.

Shane Larkin and James Anderson missed the game for Anadolu Efes, while Arturas Gudaitis, Conner Frankamp, and Shabazz Napier were sidelined on the other side.

Zenit: Alex Poythress 21 (9 REB), Jordan Mickey 15 (5 REB), Billy Baron 13 (5 AST).

Anadolu Efes: Vasilije Micic 22 (6 REB, 3 STL, 7 TO), Krunoslav Simon 17, Adrien Moerman 11 (6 REB).

Highlights

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