Anadolu Efes survive late CSKA fightback to win Euroleague semi-final 89-86
- 3 years ago
Anadolu Efes Istanbul advanced to their second successive Euroleague final after dismissing outgoing champions CSKA Moscow 89-86 in the first semi-final of the 2021 Final Four at Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany on Friday.
Efes, who lost to CSKA in the 2019 final, will face the winner of Friday's second semi-final between FC Barcelona and AX Armani Exchange Milan in the championship game on Sunday.
CSKA scored the game's first basket, but never led again as Efes opened up a double-digit lead in the first quarter, led 49-37 at half-time and opened the third quarter with an 11-2 run.
However, Iffe Lundberg sparked a 10-0 run that bridged the third and fourth quarters and gave CSKA hope.
The game came down to the closing seconds and Will Clyburn missed a go-ahead three, which allowed Efes to hold on
Efes, who lost to CSKA in the 2019 final, will face the winner of Friday's second semi-final between FC Barcelona and AX Armani Exchange Milan in the championship game on Sunday.
CSKA scored the game's first basket, but never led again as Efes opened up a double-digit lead in the first quarter, led 49-37 at half-time and opened the third quarter with an 11-2 run.
However, Iffe Lundberg sparked a 10-0 run that bridged the third and fourth quarters and gave CSKA hope.
The game came down to the closing seconds and Will Clyburn missed a go-ahead three, which allowed Efes to hold on