Besiktas Crushes Efes to reach BSL final

Besiktas maintained its excellent 2016/2017 season form and saw off Anadolu Efes to reach the finals of the Turkish BSL. This series has pitted two Istanbul clubs against each other, and Besiktas can look forward to another derby series in the finals, as EuroLeague champions Fenerbahce awaits.

As for the semi-finals run, Besiktas claimed a huge 65-91 road success to take the best of five series 3-1. It also keeps Besiktas in the hunt for its third BSL title and first since 2012. The win came against Turkey’s winningest club Efes (13 titles), but the clubs wait for a 14 crown will extend to eight seasons after crashing out of the play-offs.

Anadolu Efes had home advantage and the chance to tie the series at 2-2. However, Besiktas was the better team from the opening tip off and led throughout. It started in the first quarter, with the visitors draining 26 points on the way to an 8-point lead after 10 minutes. The offensive consistency continued with another 26-point haul in the second period, while Efes scored 17 points. A commanding first half ended with the Besiktas leading 33-52 heading into the locker room.

After the long break, the guests continued the onslaught. In the third act, Besiktas poured in 18 points and stopped the hosts are just 9 points. It was the killer blow, leaving the scoreboard on 42-70 through thirty minutes. With nothing to lose, Efes threw caution to the wind and caught an attacking break with 23 fourth quarter points. However, the game was long gone as Besiktas wrapped it up in style.

Michael Roll pace the win with 22 points, while Vladimir Stimic recorded a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds. Stimic was very effective in the game, scoring 7 of 9 attempts from the field. Michael Thompson added 12 points in the win.

Thomas Huertal scored 15 points in the losing effort, followed by Bryant Dunstan with 13 points and 7 boards. Cedi Osman managed 12 points, while Derrick Brown made 11 points.