Anadolu Efes keeps top spot in Turkish BSL

The last game of Round 12 in the Turkish BSL was a derby game between league leader Anadolu Efes Istanbul and guests Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul. Both teams played hard and the game came down to a difference in shots made at the free throw line. Anadolu Efes would prevail in the end, 78-72. The club is now 11-1 and manage to keep hold of the top spot in the league standings. Besiktas and Fenerbahce, both of which also recorded wins in this round are not too far behind with their identical 10-2 records.

Anadolu Efes has been playing well as a team this season and their results speak for themselves. Their teamwork managed to overcome a big 18-point game from Darussafaka’s Scottie Wilbekin. Four Anadolu Efes players scored in double figures, led by Cedi Osman who finished with a game-high 19 points.

Statistically, the clubs were quite evenly matched the X-factor that helped determine the game’s outcome was the number of shots that Anadolu Efes managed to make at the free-throw line. They hit 24-of-29 shots from the charity stripe compared to 16-of-22 made by Darussafaka. Those eight points were the buffer Anadolu Efes needed to seal the win.

Darussafaka recently signed Croatian big man Ante Zizic, but he was not yet available for this game. Expect the club to bounce back soon with their freshly strengthened frontcourt. For now, Anadolu Efes will remain the top team in the Turkish league, but with two teams hot on their heels, they will not be able to rest on their laurels just yet.

Here are the rest of the results from Round 12:

Usak vs. Tofas, 74-98

Pinar Karsiyaka vs. Galatasaray, 78-72

Fenerbahce Ulker vs. Trabzonspor, 98-78

TED Kolejliler vs. Banvit BK, 76-99

Besiktas vs. Gaziantep, 67-60

Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyesi vs. Best Balikesir, 80-75

Yesilgireusn vs. Demir Insaat BB, 100-72