In the fourth away game of the Turkish Basketball Super League playoff semifinal series, Beşiktaş Fibabanka defeated EuroLeague powerhouse Anadolu Efes 75–64. After the final buzzer, the black-and-white’s head coach Dušan Alimpijević emphasized that he had kept his earlier promise to bring the series back to Akatlar.
“I said before the game that we would definitely return home, and now I can proudly say that I have kept my word,” the Serbian specialist noted.
Match Details and Coach’s Quotes
- Series Tied
After today’s victory, the score in the semifinal matchup became 2-2, and the fate of the ticket to the final will be decided in the fifth and decisive game, which will take place on Beşiktaş’s court at Istanbul’s Akatlar Arena.
- Four Wins Against a EuroLeague Club
Alimpijević reminded that his team has already beaten Anadolu Efes — a team competing at the highest European level — four times this season:
“First of all, I want to single out my players: if you are able to beat a EuroLeague-caliber team four times, we can talk only about minor mistakes, but it’s impossible not to be proud of such an achievement,” the coach stressed.
- Character as the Key Factor
The Serbian coach again drew attention to the mental resilience of his charges:
“I said even before the start of the game that this squad possesses an amazing character. Today we proved it once again on the floor: we played disciplined, were tough on defense, and finished our offenses confidently.”
Looking Ahead
- Home-Court Factor. Beşiktaş expects that the support of the Akatlar Arena stands will become the decisive advantage in the final encounter.
- Chance for the Final. A victory in the series will open the road to the Turkish championship final for the black-and-whites and allow them to fight for their first title in recent years.
- Coach’s Confidence. Concluding the press conference, Alimpijević again addressed the fans:
“We will prove that today’s win was no coincidence. I expect everyone in Akatlar — together we can take the next step.”
