Jordan Nwora led Anadolu Efes with a team-high 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to stave off a determined Besiktas side, who claimed a 75-64 victory in Game 4 of their Turkish Basketbol Super Ligi semifinal on Thursday.
Anadolu were eyeing a win to close out the series 3-1 and book their spot in the finals against defending champions Fenerbahce. However, Besiktas had other plans, leveling the series at 2-2 and setting up a decisive Game 5 on Saturday at the BJK Emlakjet Spor Kompleksi.
Nwora came off the bench to contribute 19 points and six rebounds. His compatriot Daniel Oturu added 15 points, two rebounds, and two assists as a starter, while team captain Shane Larkin chipped in 13 points, seven rebounds, and two assists on an uncharacteristically quiet night.
For Besiktas, Jonah Mathews delivered a dominant performance, pouring in a game-high 25 points. Conor Morgan added 12 points, and Emanuel Terry contributed 10, helping the hosts seize control and gain a crucial home-court advantage for the final showdown.
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Anadolu head coach Luca Banchi attributed the loss to fatigue and lapses in concentration but remains optimistic about his team’s chances in Game 5.
“It was a tough defeat. As expected, Beşiktaş Fibabanka started the game with intensity and physicality,” Banchi said post-game.
“Despite our poor shooting percentage, we fought back and even took the lead with five minutes left. But at that moment, probably due to the fatigue of such an intense series, our sharpness and physical condition dipped.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish the job. But now, we must regroup, stay confident, and go there to win and reach the final.”
Nwora and his teammates will be aiming to bounce back with a big performance on Saturday, hoping to silence the Besiktas crowd and punch their ticket to a finals clash with a well-rested Fenerbahce side.
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