Published on January 29, 2026 at 07:45 PM by driblio.net
Date
2026-01-29
Venue
ULKER SPORTS AND EVENT HALL
Round
Round 25
Attendance
0
In a decisive Round 25 EuroLeague encounter at the Ulker Sports and Event Hall, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul delivered a comprehensive 79-62 victory over city rivals Anadolu Efes Istanbul, extending their impressive form while deepening their opponents' troubling decline. The 17-point margin of victory tells only part of the story, as Fenerbahce controlled proceedings from the opening tip, establishing a commanding first-quarter lead that Efes never seriously threatened to overturn.
The victory marks Fenerbahce's sixth win in their last seven games, a remarkable run that has seen them defeat quality opposition including Barcelona, Olympiacos, and Baskonia. Meanwhile, Anadolu Efes continue to spiral, suffering their eighth consecutive defeat in a season that has completely unraveled. What makes this result particularly significant is the local derby context, with both Istanbul powerhouses meeting at a time when their fortunes could hardly be more divergent.
Fenerbahce made their intentions clear from the outset, racing to a stunning 25-8 first quarter advantage that effectively decided the contest before many fans had settled into their seats. The home side's defensive intensity was exceptional, suffocating Efes's offensive attempts and forcing uncomfortable possessions. Talen Horton Tucker and Tarik Biberovic led the early charge, combining for 14 first-quarter points as Fenerbahce shot with confidence and precision.
The 17-point first-quarter deficit represented a mountain too steep for the struggling visitors to climb. Efes appeared shell-shocked by the intensity and execution of their rivals, managing just eight points in those opening ten minutes. The offensive struggles that have plagued them throughout their losing streak were painfully evident, with turnovers and missed opportunities compounding their difficulties.
Talen Horton Tucker produced a masterclass performance, finishing with a game-high 22 points on efficient 7-of-12 shooting, including an impressive 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. The American guard's efficiency rating of 27 told the story of a complete performance that included three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. His ability to score from all three levels kept Efes defenders constantly off balance, and his four successful free throws in four attempts demonstrated composure when Efes attempted to disrupt his rhythm through physical play.
What made Horton Tucker's performance even more valuable was his decision-making. With just one turnover in over 19 minutes of action, he orchestrated Fenerbahce's offense with maturity and precision. His plus-minus of zero might seem modest given the final margin, but it reflected the balanced nature of Fenerbahce's rotation, with contributions coming from throughout the roster.
Nando de Colo provided veteran savvy off the bench, contributing 12 points and four assists in an efficiency rating of 13. The experienced French guard's ability to control tempo and make smart decisions proved invaluable, particularly during moments when Efes threatened to make runs. Wade Baldwin IV orchestrated the offense brilliantly with nine assists, demonstrating the court vision and playmaking ability that makes Fenerbahce's attack so difficult to defend.
Tarik Biberovic added 10 points on an efficient 4-of-7 shooting, including two three-pointers that helped maintain Fenerbahce's spacing and kept Efes defenders honest. Metecan Birsen provided a perfect 3-of-3 shooting performance from two-point range, finishing with eight points and an efficiency rating of 14 in nearly 23 minutes of action. His perfect shooting and three drawn fouls highlighted his intelligent offensive play and ability to finish through contact.
While the offensive numbers impressed, Fenerbahce's defensive performance deserves equal recognition. Holding Efes to just 62 points represented a comprehensive defensive effort that limited one of Europe's traditionally potent offenses to season-low territory. The visitors managed just eight points in the opening quarter and never found any consistent rhythm throughout the contest.
Nicolo Melli anchored the defense with seven rebounds and smart positioning, while Bonzie Colson grabbed five boards despite not scoring. The Italian forward's experience showed in his ability to close out shooters and protect the paint without accumulating unnecessary fouls. Khem Birch provided rim protection with one block and one steal, demonstrating the defensive versatility that has made him valuable in Fenerbahce's rotation.
For Anadolu Efes, the nightmare season continued with their eighth consecutive defeat, each loss seemingly more deflating than the last. Saben Lee fought valiantly with a team-high 19 points, including seven successful two-point field goals and three steals that showcased his individual talent. However, his 7-of-14 shooting and multiple trips to the free-throw line came largely in garbage time when the outcome had been decided.
PJ Dozier, starting for Efes, managed just nine points on a poor 2-of-12 shooting performance. His struggles epitomized Efes's offensive difficulties, with the American guard unable to find any rhythm against Fenerbahce's disciplined defense. The four fouls he drew at least allowed him to reach nine points from the charity stripe, but his overall efficiency rating of seven reflected a difficult evening's work.
Cole Swider provided a rare bright spot off the bench with nine points on 3-of-4 three-point shooting, demonstrating the shooting ability that makes him a valuable role player. His efficiency rating of 10 and willingness to take open shots gave Efes one of their few consistent offensive threats. Sehmus Hazer contributed seven points and four assists, showing flashes of creativity, but it wasn't nearly enough to overcome the massive deficit.
The second half unfolded as a mere formality, with Fenerbahce maintaining comfortable control throughout. They outscored Efes 22-14 in the third quarter to extend their advantage to 61-39, effectively ending any faint hopes of a miraculous comeback. The home side's ability to maintain focus and execution even with the game decided spoke to their professional approach and determination to build winning habits.
Efes showed some pride in the fourth quarter, winning the period 23-18, but this late surge came with the outcome long since determined and Fenerbahce's rotation players logging minutes. Brice Dessert provided energy off the bench with six points on perfect 3-of-4 shooting and solid defense, while Erkan Yilmaz contributed with hustle plays, recording two steals and two blocks despite failing to score.
The statistical breakdown revealed the comprehensive nature of Fenerbahce's victory. They shot 50% from two-point range compared to Efes's struggling 40%, and while both teams converted 35% of their three-point attempts, Fenerbahce's shot selection and execution proved superior. The home side's 37 total rebounds edged Efes's 31, but more importantly, they protected the basketball better with fewer costly turnovers in crucial moments.
Fenerbahce's assist total of 22 compared to Efes's 18 demonstrated superior ball movement and offensive cohesion. The home side's ability to generate quality looks through player movement and smart passing consistently created advantages that Efes's defense couldn't neutralize. Wade Baldwin IV's nine assists leading all players exemplified this team-oriented approach.
For Fenerbahce, this victory continues their impressive mid-season surge and solidifies their position among the EuroLeague's elite teams. Their six wins in seven games have transformed their season outlook, with the combination of defensive intensity and offensive balance making them a dangerous opponent for anyone. The Istanbul derby victory carries additional psychological weight, demonstrating their superiority over their local rivals at a time when such statements matter.
The depth of Fenerbahce's roster continues to impress, with head coach able to deploy various lineup combinations while maintaining high performance levels. Whether relying on Horton Tucker's scoring, Baldwin's playmaking, or De Colo's veteran presence, Fenerbahce possesses multiple answers to different challenges. This versatility will prove crucial as the season enters its decisive phase.
For Anadolu Efes, the crisis has reached alarming proportions. Eight consecutive defeats represent an unprecedented collapse for a club of their stature and tradition. The once-proud powerhouse appears bereft of confidence, with individual talent failing to coalesce into coherent team performance. The defensive vulnerabilities that allowed Fenerbahce to score 25 first-quarter points must be addressed urgently if any season salvage operation is to succeed.
The coaching staff faces enormous pressure to identify solutions, but with each passing defeat, the psychological burden grows heavier. Young players like David Mutaf, who managed just two points in nearly 12 minutes, need support and development, while veterans must rediscover the form that made this team competitive. The remaining schedule offers little respite, meaning Efes must find answers quickly or risk their season spiraling beyond recovery.
The 79-62 final scoreline represented a comprehensive statement from Fenerbahce in one of European basketball's most intense rivalries. From the explosive first quarter to the controlled finish, they demonstrated the qualities that have characterized their recent surge: defensive intensity, offensive balance, and professional execution. With Talen Horton Tucker leading the way and contributions throughout the roster, Fenerbahce looks every bit a team capable of competing with Europe's best.
For the 40 minutes of action, Fenerbahce's superiority was never in doubt, a reality that will please their supporters while causing considerable consternation across town. As both teams look ahead to their remaining fixtures, the contrast in confidence and momentum could hardly be starker. Fenerbahce marches forward with belief and cohesion, while Anadolu Efes must somehow arrest a decline that shows no signs of slowing. This Istanbul derby belonged entirely to the team in yellow and blue, a result that resonates far beyond the 17-point margin.
| Rank | Player | Team | PTS | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TALEN HORTON TUCKER | FBB | 22 | 3 | 2 |
| 2 | SABEN LEE | EFS | 19 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | NANDO DE COLO | FBB | 12 | 3 | 4 |
| 4 | TARIK BIBEROVIC | FBB | 10 | 3 | 0 |
| 5 | PJ DOZIER | EFS | 9 | 4 | 2 |
Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade overcame a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 79-73, powered by a dominant 28-14 third quarter. Chima Moneke led all scorers with 21 points for Fenerbahce, but Ebuka Izundu's perfect shooting and Bonzie Colson's 15 points proved crucial for the hosts, ending Fenerbahce's seven-game winning streak.
Published on March 13, 2026 at 09:28 PM by driblio.net
Anadolu Efes Istanbul defeated FC Bayern Munich 81-80 in a thrilling Round 31 encounter, with Jordan Loyd scoring 20 points and Cole Swider hitting the game-winning three-pointer with one second remaining. Efes overcame a 13-point halftime deficit behind a dominant third quarter, outscoring Bayern 27-19 to set up the dramatic finish.
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