In the 37th Presidential Cup, Anadolu Efes triumphed over Fenerbahçe Beko with a narrow 83-82 win, securing the prestigious trophy for the 14th time in their history.
The match began with both teams exchanging baskets. Fenerbahçe Beko aimed to utilize Marjanovic under the basket, while Anadolu Efes relied on Oturu, who carried the scoring load in the opening minutes. By the first TV timeout, Anadolu Efes led 12-11, with Oturu contributing 8 points. After the timeout, Anadolu Efes became more dominant in the paint, finishing the first quarter with a 24-20 lead.
In the second quarter, Fenerbahçe Beko’s defense stepped up. Although both teams traded points early on, Anadolu Efes maintained a 31-25 lead. Fenerbahçe Beko responded with an 11-0 run, taking the lead at 36-31, thanks to the efforts of Hayes-Davis and Colson. The yellow and navy team went into halftime leading 43-39.
Anadolu Efes opened the second half with a 7-0 run to take a 46-43 lead. After a timeout, Colson’s three-pointer tied the game, and his free throws put Fenerbahçe Beko back in front at 48-46. Anadolu Efes then shifted to outside shooting, with Bryant hitting two consecutive three-pointers to give Efes a 56-50 lead. They maintained their advantage and ended the third quarter ahead 64-57.
In the final quarter, Fenerbahçe Beko showed more dominance in rebounds, cutting the deficit to 2 points at 70-72 within the first five minutes. Hayes-Davis’ three-pointer put Fenerbahçe Beko in the lead at 75-74, followed by a dunk from Melli that forced Anadolu Efes to call a timeout. Coming out of the timeout, Bryant’s scoring put Anadolu Efes back in the lead, and they strengthened their defense, entering the final minute with a 4-point lead at 81-77. Wilbekin’s three-pointer cut the lead to 1 point at 83-82. Despite a turnover in the final seconds, Wilbekin’s last effort was stolen, and Anadolu Efes held on to win 83-82, claiming the 37th Presidential Cup.
Fenerbahçe Beko: 82 – Anadolu Efes: 83
Venue: Basketball Development Center
Referees: Yener Yılmaz, Kerem Baki, Seher Ayşe Nur Yazıcıoğlu
Fenerbahçe Beko: Melih Mahmutoğlu, Hayes-Davis 20, Hall 7, Colson 19, Marjanovic 4, Baldwin 7, Wilbekin 14, Metecan Birsen 3, Melli 8, Mert Emre Ekşioğlu, Sertaç Şanlı
Anadolu Efes: Erkan Yılmaz 2, Thompson 6, Bryant 21, Oturu 16, Ercan Osmani 13, Nwora 7, Poirier 2, Doğuş Özdemiroğlu 4, Willis 3, Beaubois 9, Rıdvan Öncel
Quarter Scores:
• 1st Quarter: 20-24
• Halftime: 43-39
• 3rd Quarter: 57-64
