Anadolu Efes ends five-game losing streak with crucial 79-72 victory over Partizan
Jordan Loyd leads Efes to victory and snaps Partizan’s winning streak Photo Credit: EuroLeague
Anadolu Efes finally broke their losing streak, defeating Partizan Belgrade 79-72 at the Turkcell Basketball Development Center in a crucial EuroLeague encounter. The victory ended a frustrating five-game streak that had plagued the Turkish side since their last triumph against Bayern Munich on March 12th.
Shane Larkin’s emotional comeback steals the spotlight
The night belonged to Shane Larkin, who made his long-awaited return to competitive basketball after nearly five months on the sidelines. The 33-year-old Turkish international had been sidelined since November 14th, 2025, when he suffered an injury during Anadolu Efes‘ EuroLeague clash against Bayern Munich.
After undergoing surgery on his left groin tendon on December 3rd, 2025, Larkin endured a lengthy rehabilitation process before finally stepping back onto the court. The veteran guard entered the game in the 8th minute, marking his return after 145 days away from action. His presence provided a significant boost to Anadolu Efes fans who had eagerly awaited his comeback.
A hard-fought victory in front of home supporters
The contest proved to be a rollercoaster affair, with momentum swinging between both teams throughout the four quarters. Anadolu Efes started strongly, taking a narrow 15-13 lead after the first period. However, Partizan responded emphatically in the second quarter, outscoring their hosts 23-9 to establish a commanding 36-24 halftime advantage.
The third quarter saw Partizan maintain their edge, leading 50-43 heading into the final period. The fourth quarter became a tense battle, with both teams locked at 65-65 before Anadolu Efes managed to pull away in the closing stages to secure the vital 79-72 victory.
This marked Anadolu Efes’ 911th appearance in European competitions, adding to their impressive continental record of 504 wins from 910 previous matches. In EuroLeague specifically, this represented their 663rd game since joining the competition in the 2001-2002 season.
The victory was crucial for Anadolu Efes’ playoff aspirations, bringing their season tally to 11 wins from 35 games. Meanwhile, Partizan suffered their 21st defeat of the campaign, though they remain better positioned in the standings with 15 victories. For Larkin, this marked just his 12th EuroLeague appearance of the season, having also featured in two Turkish League games before his injury setback.
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