Barcelona came back twice from a double-digit deficit, but Anadolu Efes stepped up and defeated the Catalans at home (75-68) in Game 1 of the EuroLeague playoffs.
The hosts made a better start and quickly earned a double-digit lead (26-15). Yet, the “Blaugrana” reacted and went on a 6-17 run to tie the game (32-32).
The Turks, though, brought their lead back to double digits (69-57) and never looked back. The Catalans cut the deficit to five (71-66), but missed their next three shots and couldn’t threaten again.
Four players scored in double figures for the winners, with Vasilije Micic leading the way with 21 points and seven assists.
Ante Tomic had a team-high 14 points for the losing squad, with Thomas Heurtel and Kevin Pangos adding 12 points apiece.
Game 2 will be played in Istanbul on Friday (19/04).
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*Yiannis Bouranis is an affiliate partner of ESPN and is being compensated for the use of ESPN+ affiliate links. The opinions expressed in his posts are his own.
