Anadolu Efes Istanbul survived a spirited challenge from Bordo BK on Sunday, earning an 85-79 road victory in the Basketbol Super Ligi. The EuroLeague powerhouse used a decisive third-quarter run to overcome a halftime deficit and secure their second straight league win.

Match Overview

Bordo BK came out firing, hitting four of their first six three-point attempts to take an 18-12 lead. Efes responded with a 10-2 run to close the first quarter, but Bordo's hot shooting continued in the second. A buzzer-beating three from Bordo's Emre Yılmaz gave the home side a 40-38 halftime lead. The arena was electric, and an upset seemed possible.

However, Efes flipped the script in the third quarter. They opened with a 15-4 run, powered by back-to-back three-pointers from Shane Larkin and a thunderous dunk by Tibor Pleiss. The defensive intensity increased, and Bordo suddenly couldn't buy a basket. Efes outscored Bordo 24-19 in the third and then held off a late comeback attempt in the fourth to seal the win.

Key Moments

• First quarter: Bordo's early 6-0 run and four three-pointers gave them an 18-12 lead.
• Second quarter: Emre Yılmaz's buzzer-beating three gave Bordo a 40-38 halftime lead.
• Third quarter: Efes' 15-4 run to start the half, capped by Larkin's third three of the game, turned the tide.
• Fourth quarter: Bordo cut the lead to 78-74 with two minutes left, but Efes hit six straight free throws to ice it.

Tactical Story

Bordo's game plan was to spread the floor and shoot threes, and it worked early. They hit 12 three-pointers in the game, but their downfall was rebounding. Efes dominated the boards 42-28, grabbing 14 offensive rebounds that led to 18 second-chance points. Efes also tightened their defense in the second half, switching to a zone that confused Bordo's shooters. Offensively, Efes attacked the paint relentlessly, drawing fouls and getting to the line 28 times.

Standout Players

Shane Larkin led Efes with 24 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals, taking over in the third quarter. Tibor Pleiss added 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Adrien Moerman contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds. For Bordo, Emre Yılmaz had a game-high 26 points, but he received little help from his teammates, who shot just 35% from the field in the second half.

Season Impact

Anadolu Efes remain in the hunt for the Basketbol Super Ligi title, keeping pace with the league leaders. This road win shows their resilience and depth. Bordo BK, despite the loss, proved they can compete with the elite teams in Turkey. They will take confidence from this performance as they continue their season. The Super Ligi standings remain tight, and every game is crucial.