EuroLeague classic: Barcelona sneak past Efes behind clutch Jokubaitis and Ataman's ejection / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com-SCANPIX Credit ZUMAPRESS.com-SCANPIX

In a rematch of last season's Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game, FC Barcelona (16-4) hosted Anadolu Efes Istanbul (9-10) at Palau Blaugrana.

Player of the Game EFF 16 Sertac Sanli Points 13 Accuracy 4-8 Rebounds 7 Assists 1

Barca came off back-to-back losses, while Efes played their first EuroLeague game in 2022. The Catalans managed to get revenge against the reigning champs, edging them out 82-77 (19-17, 21-24, 21-15, 21-21).

Nikola Mirotic scored a duo with 2:16 to go in the game and Barca were in front by 8 points (80-72). Singleton answered him with a two-pointer on his own (74-80). That was not the end, because Nikola Mirotic committed an unsportsmanlike foul.

Singleton nailed one-shot (75-80) from the line with 1:25 to go but he missed the important trey. Though, Barca could not arrange the attack in 24 seconds and violated the rule. Vasilije Micic gave more hope for Efes, scoring a two-pointer with 33 seconds to play (77-80).

However, Rokas Jokubaitis converted a 2+1 play (82-77) on the other end with 21 seconds to play. For their part, Shane Larkin and Chris Singleton missed the crucial shots and Barca secured the tough-fought W.

The 21-year-old Rokas Jokubaitis was the top scorer of Barca, posting his new scoring-high 16 points (3/6 2PT, 3/4 3PT, 1/3 FT), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 turnovers, 2 drawn fouls, and 11 PIR.

"We needed that win badly. We took the win, everybody is happy. We keep going. Every game in EuroLeague is difficult. We try to fight, we try to win every game. Right now we're not so good but we got an important win," commented the Lithuanian rising star post-game, who nailed the second straight game-deciding 2+1 play versus Efes.

Nikola Mirotic had 15 points (4/4 2PT, 2/4 3PT, 1/1 FT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, 3 drawn fouls, and 15 PIR.

FC Barcelona / Schedule

CSKA Moscow FC BarcelonaFri17:00 FC Barcelona AX Armani Exchange Milan73-75 FC Barcelona Anadolu Efes Istanbul82-77 UNIKS Kazan FC Barcelona01-2016:00

"I thought it was an incredible fight. I think it was very good that we were always up a little bit. I think we could have closed it if we were a little bit smarter at both ends of the court. But at the same time, it's difficult. Efes is such a good team. Their guards are some of the best in Europe and guys are suffering," told Saras after a victorious effort.

Arguably the best EuroLeague backcourt duo Vasilije Micic and Shane Larkin were leading the way for Efes, scoring 18 and 17 points respectively.

"We came here for a win but you can't beat Barcelona if you can't make open shots. We created, we attacked the open gaps, we attacked their weaknesses, and found the shots. However, we have to make those shots," assistant Yakup Sekizkok spoke.

The first half went closely and tensely (40-41). Both teams together committed 26 fouls, while 31 free throws were taken. Brandon Davies and Vasilije Micic got three early personal fouls apiece.

Nevertheless, one of the most relevant moments occurred in the third quarter when Ergin Ataman was ejected from the game. He got two technical fouls in a row.

Barcelona: Rokas Jokubaitis 16 (3/4 3PT, 4 TO), Nikola Mirotic 15 (4/4 2PT, 2/4 3PT), Sertac Sanli 13 (7 REB), Cory Higgins 9 (5/6 FT), Kyle Kuric 8 (2/3 3PT, 6 REB, 4 AST), Brandon Davies 7.

Anadolu Efes: Vasilije Micic 18 (12/15 FT), Shane Larkin 17 (3/7 3PT, 6/7 FT, 4 AST), Krunoslav Simon 12 (5/7 2PT, Bryant Dunston 12 (6/7 FT, 6 REB).

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