Bayern Munich snaps Anadolu Efes’ eight-game EuroLeague winning streak to force a three-team tie

Bayern Munich put an end to the eight-game winning streak of Anadolu Efes in the EuroLeague and forced a three-team tie.

In a hard-fought battle in Munich, Bayern came back from a 15-point deficit and edged Efes (80-79) to maintain a top four push.

After a pair of free throws by Vladimir Lucic, Efes had the chance to win the game, but Shane Larkin was blocked by James Gist.

Both teams now hold a 19-11 record in the EuroLeague, but this win gives Bayern a sweep and tie-break advantage over Efes.

Valencia remained just outside the EuroLeague playoff zone, after its 68-77 road win over Khimki.

The Spaniards led from start to finish and earned a crucial victory in the EuroLeague playoffs race.

Valencia now is at 16-14, staying on the edge of the playoff zone. Meanwhile, Khimki remained on the bottom of the EuroLeague standings (3-26).

Crvena Zvezda endured the comeback of Panathinaikos and survived a late thriller to earn the win (82-86).

An 0-18 run in the second half helped Zvezda take the lead, but the “Greens” cut the deficit to one (65-66) in the fourth quarter.

Jordan Loyd took over, though, and scored 16 points in the last six minutes of the game to seal the deal for Zvezda.

Crvena Zvezda improved to 9-21 in the EuroLeague standings, whereas Panathinaikos dropped to 10-18.

FC Barcelona made another step towards the home-court advantage in the playoffs, after its 56-72 road win over Armani Milano.

The Catalans relied on their defense and led from start to finish to sweep the EuroLeague season series with the Italians.

FC Barcelona improved to 22-8 and are three wins away from fifth-placed Bayern Munich. The “Blaugrana” have already qualified for the playoffs.

On the contrary, the Italians dropped to 19-11 and are now tied with Efes and Bayern for third on the EuroLeague table.