Turkish Airlines EuroLeague: Real Madrid makes Final Four

There are now three clubs in the Final Four of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after Real Madrid completed its Play-Offs series against Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul. Los Blancos completed the series win in the most difficult way, claiming two straight road wins to progress to the showpiece. CSKA Moscow and Fenerbahce Istanbul already booked their places in the next round by sweeping their respective series.

With three teams booked for the Final Four in Istanbul, there is just one series still open. Under enormous pressure tonight, Olympiacos Piraeus defeated Anadolu Efes Istanbul to tie up their series 2-2. The two clubs will now decide their Play-Offs tie in Greece next week.

Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul vs. Real Madrid, 78-89

After defeating Real Madrid in Spain in Game 2, Darussafaka literally had the ball in its court heading back to Istanbul for Game 3 and Game 4. However, Real Madrid has showed its Turkish Airlines EuroLeague title credentials with two awesome displays on the road.

In Game 3, Los Blancos drained 24 points in the first quarter to secure a three-point advantage through ten minutes. Darussafaka struggled to catch Madrid and a 17-21 second frame put the scoreboard on 38-45 at halftime and the hosts needed a special second half to stay in the competition. However, Real Madrid was not in the giving mood and secured a 20-27 lead to extend 58-72 through thirty minutes. The game was beyond Darussafaka as Los Blancos rode out comfortable winners in Q4.

Sergio Llull led the win with 17 points, followed by Trey Thompkins and Anthony Randolph secured 15 points apiece.

Brad Wanamaker was sensational in the losing effort and grabbed a game-high 25 points, with Scottie Wilbekin grabbing 14 points.

Editor’s Note: If you want more information about the EuroLeague, or other international leagues, you can check out Court Side’s Game Center.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Olympiacos Piraeus, 62-74

A crunch game in Istanbul saw Anadolu Efes host Olympiacos knowing a win would send them through to the Final Four. However, Olympiacos showed its experience as the former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champ secured a big road win.

The victory ensured the Greek giant will take the series back to Piraeus and has the advantage for the decider. With the Final Four in sight, Anadolu Efes dropped 21 points for a sizeable 7-point lead through the first act. In the second half, the visitors improved and cut the deficit to 38-35 through the long break. The momentum was with the Greeks and they stole a 54-55 lead through thirty minutes. Any hopes for Anadolu Efes were dashed as Olympiacos eased to victory with an 8-19 fourth act.

Vassilis Spanoulis has been in hot form and he paced Olympiacos with 18 points.

Jayson Granger set the tone for the losing effort with 17 points and 8 rebounds.