Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul erased a double-digit deficit with a decisive second-half surge to defeat EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 79-71 on Friday, March 20 at Ulker Sports and Event Hall.
The result secured the Turkish club’s eighth consecutive victory and mathematically clinched a EuroLeague postseason berth, reinforcing its position at the top of the standings with a 23-9 record.
The opening half belonged entirely to the Italian side, which controlled tempo and defensive matchups. Milan limited Fenerbahce to 29 first-half points by disrupting primary ball handlers and forcing inefficient perimeter shooting.
The hosts shot just 2-of-15 from three-point range before halftime and committed six turnovers against only five assists. That imbalance prevented any offensive rhythm and allowed the visitors to dictate pace through structured half-court defense.
Stefano Tonut anchored Milan’s defensive scheme, keeping Talen Horton-Tucker away from downhill drives. Horton-Tucker managed five points in the first half, while Wade Baldwin struggled to find efficiency, hitting just one field goal.
Fenerbahce opened the third quarter with a 12-0 run fueled by improved spacing and aggressive rim pressure.
Horton-Tucker initiated the shift with two dunks and a three-point play, flipping the deficit into a 43-41 lead. The change in shot quality was evident, as the home team shot 9-of-11 inside the arc in the quarter.
Nando De Colo then stabilized the offense, scoring nine straight points in the third period and finishing with 16, including 14 in the final 14 minutes. Baldwin added a buzzer-beating layup to push the margin to five entering the fourth.
Milan’s ball movement declined sharply after halftime, recording just one assist and five turnovers in the third quarter after posting 10 assists in the first half. That shift reflected Fenerbahce’s improved perimeter pressure and defensive intensity.
Baldwin and Horton-Tucker carried the scoring load late, combining with De Colo for 20 of the team’s 22 fourth-quarter points. Baldwin scored eight of his 16 in the final period, while Horton-Tucker delivered 18 second-half points.
Fenerbahce next travels to face Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv on March 24, while Milan heads to Monaco on the same day.
