Stellar Shane Larkin pours in 26 points to extend Maccabi's sloppy stretch / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Seffi Magriso/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Seffi Magriso/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Anadolu Efes Istanbul (8-8) prevailed Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv(7-9) 92-78 (20-27, 30-20, 20-16, 22-15), handing the Yellows their sixth consecutive Turkish Airlines EuroLeague defeat.

Player of the Game EFF 37 Shane Larkin Points 26 Accuracy 9-14 Rebounds 6 Assists 6

Led by Shane Larkin, Anadolu Efes entered the fourth quarter having a tangible 7-point lead (70-63). Ergin Ataman's squad maintained the same advantage until the mid-fourth period.

Then, the reigning EuroLeague champs went on a mission and broke the game to their side completely, organizing a 9-0 spurt and gaining a 13-point lead (84-71). Maccabi could not recover after the knockout and were forced to declare convincing Efes victory.

Shane Larkin was spectacular for Efes, registering 26 points (3/7 2PT, 6/7 3PT, 2/2 FT), 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 1 block, 5 drawn fouls, and 37 PIR.

"It was a big game for us, as we came in here tied in the standings with Maccabi. It was difficult. Both teams came from Istanbul [on Wednesday]. They played at Fenerbahce the other day. It was tough for both teams but we had a better night. The atmosphere was great tonight, and I'm just glad we were able to get a win," Larkin said post-game.

"Larkin played a great game, we moved the ball very well against a trapping defense, we always found good solutions. On a night when Micic missed everything on offense, Larkin made tonight and the guys played good defense in the fourth quarter. Of course, it’s a good victory for us on the road," commented Ergin Ataman.

Ante Zizic was dominant on the other side, accumulating 23 points (9/11 2PT, 5/6 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 2 blocks, 5 drawn fouls, and 31 PIR.

"I think today Efes showed its quality with all the players they have at every position and it was very hard for us to stay in the game till the end and win the game, although we tried really hard," told Ioannis Sfairopoulos after another defeat.

Anadolu Efes: Shane Larkin 26 (6 REB, 6 AST), Tibor Pleiss 15, Elijah Bryant 10, Adrien Moerman 10 (8 REB), Krunoslav Simon 10 (7 AST).

Maccabi: Ante Zizic 23 (6 REB), James Nunnally 14, Keenan Evans 12 (5 REB, 9 AST), Scottie Wilbekin 10 (4 AST).

Highlights

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