One of this season's must-watch games will see top four-chasing Fenerbahce (20-12) look to maintain its stunning home form against Istanbul rival Efes (15-17), which has a play-in place within reach after winning three in a row.
Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce: 'They have really elevated their game'
Seasons
3 Χρόνος Ανάγνωσης
Regular Season
Round 33 of 34
Group Regular Season
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The Istanbul Derby will see new single-game points record holder Nigel Hayes-Davis face the man he has just deposed, Shane Larkin, who was also in great form with 28 points in last week's key win at Baskonia. Fenerbahce has been unstoppable at home recently, winning eight in a row and surpassing 100 points in four of those. Head coach Saras Jasikevicius's team also has confidence from the knowledge it won this season's first Istanbul derby, triumphing 84-89 in December behind 24 points from the man of the moment, Hayes-Davis, plus 17 points and 8 assists from Nick Calathes, who faces a mouthwatering backcourt battle with Larkin.
Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce head coach
"Anadolu Efes has been in great shape in the last few games. It is an extremely important game. We are fighting for the home court advantage and Efes is fighting for the Play-in. They have really elevated their game to the highest level. They got a lot of injured players back and they are still one of the most talented offensive teams in the EuroLeague and now with the great defensive rating in the last five games as well. So, I think from the two teams, like always, defense will be the key. We must try to stop one and other, and obviously it will be extremely difficult to control their great guards."
Tomislav Mijatovic, efes head coach
"We are getting ready to play our next EuroLeague game which happens to be our inner city rivalry game against our well respected opponent Fenerbahce Beko. We are well aware that we need to play our maximum intensity game for 40 minutes like we have been playing in order to capitalize on our individual and team capacities and there is the only way that we can reach our final goal which is to win the game."
Tarık Biberovic, Fenerbahce player
"It will be a very important game for both teams. We are in good shape. We want to get the playoff ticket by finishing the regular season in the best possible place and in the best possible shape. However, our opponent also has a very good roster and they are coming to this round in a great shape. We are aware that it will be a very difficult one. Tickets for this game were sold out days in advance. This shows how excited our fans are and how much they believe in us. We will fight with them until the last moment. We will do our best to be the winning side."
Daniel Oturu, Efes player
"Definitely it is a very important game. We need to come prepared with the best mentality to lead the game with the best result which is to win."