Anadolu Efes eliminated from EuroLeague playoff contention / News - Basketnews.com

Efes can now be only as high as 9th place in the final EuroLeague regular season standings.

Credit: D.Lukšta Credit D.Lukšta

Even though Anadolu Efes Istanbul were viewed as one of the favorites to win the EuroLeague this season, the team's journey in the tournament is over.

Player of the Game EFF 32 Nigel Hayes-Davis Points 26 Accuracy 9-13 Rebounds 4 Assists 4

With Thursday's loss against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, Efes have been eliminated from playoff contention.

Even though more than half a minute was left to play in the game, head coach Ergin Ataman shook Dimitris Itoudis' hand and left the court.

With just a second left, Will Clyburn ran toward Fenerbahce's bench and pushed one of the members of the coaching staff.

Even if they reach 17 wins, Ergin Ataman's squad will not have the head-to-head advantage in a possible tie-breaker even if Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz lose the two remaining games.

Efes have been known to start seasons slow during the last several years. Even though they added Will Clyburn to the roster that won two titles in a row, the late push was not enough, proving the team coach's words true.

"99 percent we will be out of the playoffs," Ataman said after losing to ALBA on March 23rd.

With 16 wins and 17 losses, Efes will not be higher than 10th place in the final EuroLeague regular season standings.

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