Real Madrid beats Anadolu Efes in four-overtime EuroLeague clash
In a Round 19 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game, Real Madrid clinched a 130-126 victory over Anadolu Efes after four overtimes on Friday. The match, marked by relentless intensity, ended regular time tied at 81-81.
Shane Larkin, Anadolu Efes' standout, scored 32 points and became the first player in EuroLeague's 24-year history to play over 50 minutes, clocking in at 53 minutes and 11 seconds. His efforts included crucial foul shots in the first overtime to level the score at 91-91.
Despite leading by nine points in double overtime, Anadolu Efes saw Real Madrid stage a dramatic comeback, pushing the game further. The third overtime featured a last-second dunk by Real Madrid's Walter Tavares, tying the score at 111-111 and leading to the fourth overtime at Wizink Center.
Real Madrid's Chus Mateo hailed the match as an incredible spectacle, acknowledging both teams' deserving efforts. Dzanan Musa spearheaded Real Madrid with a career-high 40 points and eight assists.
The game saw impressive performances from several Real Madrid players. Mario Hezonja contributed 31 points and 12 rebounds, Facundo Campazzo added 25 points and 11 assists, and Tavares completed the game with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Efes' coach Erdem Can commended his team's resilience despite challenges like injuries and a demanding schedule. Key contributions came from Tibor Pleiss with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Darius Thompson's 21 points.
The game set a EuroLeague record for the most combined points at 256 and was the first in the league to extend to four overtimes. Both Elijah Bryant from Anadolu Efes and Campazzo of Real Madrid were disqualified after accruing five fouls each.
With this result, Anadolu Efes recorded its sixth consecutive loss, while Real Madrid secured its 17th win of the season.
