The Efes center recorded a double-double for the hosts
Vincent Poirier shined as Efes’s second-half defense overwhelmed Virtus
Άρθρο
3 Χρόνος Ανάγνωσης
Regular Season
Round 28 of 34
Group Regular Season
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Anadolu Efes Istanbul didn't get off to the best of starts on Friday evening against Virtus Segafredo Bologna. After halftime, though, it was a different story as Vincent Poirier spearheaded a second-half comeback that saw Efes lock in defensively.
Virtus were the better team before the break, taking a 39-42 lead into the third quarter. That’s precisely when Poirier stepped up, helping Efes to pack the paint as it looked to tighten up its defense.
Poirier set the tone on both ends, recording 9 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block and 1 steal in the third quarter as the hosts held Virtus to just 10 points, with Efes taking a 61-52 advantage into the closing period.
“I think that we got some interceptions in the second half,” Poirier told EuroLeague TV after the game. “We packed the defense and everything was harder for them. That’s the way we need to play, especially at home. It’s our home court. We need to defend and [allow] no easy layup.”
Poirier dominated inside and finished the game with 18 points and a season-high 13 rebounds, 7 of which came on the offensive end to provide Efes with important extra possessions.
“I knew that I had to step on the court and dominate tonight,” he added. “Every game is like a final for us and I hope we’re going to continue like that.”
Having recorded an 89-68 triumph to notch its fourth straight win at home, Efes will now look to grab its first road victory in 10 games.
“It’s time for us to go on the road and get some wins if we want to have some ambitions,” coach Luca Banchi stressed in the postgame press conference.
To do so, the Turkish side will need to down an FC Bayern Munich side boasting extraordinary offensive firepower. Hence, defense will once again be key next week at SAP Garden, where Efes will need to emulate Friday’s defensive outing as it looks to escape with an important victory that would allow it to remain in playoff conversation.