Anadolu Efes opened its 2025-26 EuroLeague campaign with an 85-78 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv in Podgorica, Montenegro. The game remained close until the final minutes, when Rolands Smits scored seven straight points to secure the win.
Smits and Jordan Loyd each finished with 16 points to lead Efes, while Shane Larkin added 14 points. Ercan Osmani and Nick Weiler-Babb contributed 12 points apiece. For Maccabi, Jaylen Hoard and Roman Sorkin led with 15 points each.
Efes started strong with inside baskets from Kai Jones and Osmani, complemented by a Weiler-Babb three-pointer for a 7-3 lead. Maccabi responded with back-to-back Hoard baskets and a three-point play from Isaia Cordinier, keeping the game close at 14-9. Osmani then pushed Efes ahead before Jeff Dowtin scored his first EuroLeague bucket, ending the first quarter 21-19.
Maccabi surged early in the second quarter, with TJ Leaf opening a 2-12 run. Efes trimmed the deficit with five points from Larkin and a floater from Dowtin, with Loyd’s first baskets as an Efes player helping reduce the gap to 40-44 at halftime.
The third quarter featured constant lead changes, with Weiler-Babb setting up Larkin for a layup to tie the score at 45-45. Smits put Efes ahead 54-52 after a transition bucket, while Loyd’s triple gave the team a 60-59 edge heading into the fourth quarter.
Efes dominated early in the final period with triples from Loyd, Smits, and Oshae Brissett for a 66-62 lead. Maccabi briefly regained a 75-76 advantage, but Smits’ seven consecutive points and Loyd’s late three-pointer sealed the game.
Efes’ balanced attack, with multiple players scoring in double figures, highlighted their depth and readiness for the new EuroLeague season. Maccabi struggled to contain Efes’ scoring runs despite strong performances from Hoard and Sorkin.
