Crvena Zvezda basketball players achieved a convincing victory in the 19th round of the EuroLeague, defeating Anadolu Efes in Istanbul with a score of 87:65.
Crvena Zvezda played a brilliant match, entering the new year in phenomenal fashion by securing an away win against Efes for the first time in the club’s history.
The Turning Point
After a somewhat balanced start, the team led by Saša Obradović stepped on the gas in the second quarter. For seven minutes, the “Red-and-Whites” did not concede a single point, breaking the game open during that stretch with a 16-0 run. They maintained the lead comfortably until the end, with the margin reaching as high as +28, before the Belgrade giant officially recorded another elite-level victory.
Top Performers
Jordan Nwora was impressive, finishing the game against his former club with 24 points. Other key contributors included:
- Chima Moneke: 16 points and 7 rebounds.
- Ebuka Izundu: 11 points.
- Semi Ojeleye: 11 points.
On the opposing side for Efes, Nick Weiler-Babb led with 17 points, followed by Cole Swider with 13 and Kai Jones with 11.
Match Highlights
- Slow Start: Efes initially built a small 8:3 lead after five minutes, taking advantage of several Zvezda turnovers.
- The Response: Zvezda quickly found its rhythm. Izundu and Nwora scored on consecutive “and-one” plays to take an 11:8 lead.
- Second Quarter Lockdown: After Kai Jones brought Efes within two (21:23), Zvezda’s defense completely shut down the Turkish side for seven minutes.
- The “3-Point Drought”: Efes struggled immensely from beyond the arc, failing to hit their first three-pointer until the 27th minute of the game.
- The Final Blow: A “crazy” four-point play (three-pointer plus a foul) by Nikola Kalinić early in the third quarter pushed the lead to +24 (51:27), effectively ending any hopes of a comeback.
- Izvor: Sportal Foto: Euroleague/Tolga Adanali