Barcelona defeats Anadolu Efes 78-71, intensifying EuroLeague playoff race
Barca holds off Efes late to win EuroLeague round 33 Photo Credit: Barca Basketball
Two days after their crushing El Clásico defeat, Barcelona found the breathing room they desperately needed against Anadolu Efes. The Blaugrana secured a hard-fought 78-71 victory at Palau Blaugrana, though it was achieved through sheer determination rather than spectacular play. With only 4,861 spectators in attendance, the Catalans relied on defense and rebounding to overcome their turnover troubles.
Will Clyburn emerged as Barcelona’s hero, delivering 21 points and five rebounds in an outstanding performance. Tornike Shengelia contributed 14 points, while Jan Vesely added 10 points to help the home side maintain control for most of the contest. The Catalans appeared headed for a comfortable victory until Anadolu Efes mounted a late surge.
Efes pushes Barcelona to the limit
Despite missing key players Shane Larkin on the perimeter and Brice Dessert, Georgios Papagiannis, and Vincent Poirier in the paint, Pablo Laso‘s Anadolu Efes squad refused to surrender quietly. Ercan Osmani led the Turkish side with 18 points and eight rebounds, supported by P.J. Dozier‘s 13 points and Nick Weiler-Babb‘s 11-point contribution.
Barcelona started strongly, building a 19-15 first-quarter advantage, though their consistency remained questionable. The Blaugrana extended their lead to 42-28 by combining solid defense with fast-paced attacks. However, their defensive effectiveness diminished after halftime as Efes exploded for 24 points in the third quarter, outscoring Barcelona 24-15 to close within 57-54.
𝐓𝐎𝐊𝐎 🤝 𝐂𝐋𝐘𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐍 (64-58) pic.twitter.com/OyleFN9iQW
— Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) March 24, 2026
The drama peaked in the final moments when Anadolu Efes reduced the deficit to just three points at 74-71 with 36 seconds remaining. Barcelona’s composure proved decisive as Clyburn drew a crucial foul and converted both free throws to seal the victory.
This triumph gives Barcelona a 19-14 record, positioning them in an intense playoff battle alongside Zalgiris, Monaco, and Panathinaikos, with Crvena Zvezda potentially joining the group. The Catalans will face Zvezda at home on Friday in their next EuroLeague encounter. Meanwhile, Anadolu Efes, long eliminated from playoff contention at 10-23, travels to face Real Madrid in two days.
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