Cameron Payne scores career-high 22 points as Anadolu Efes win Turkish derby in EuroLeague
- American guard leads Istanbul side to 89-80 victory over Besiktas despite second-half comeback attempt
By Halis Sunnetci
ISTANBUL (AA) - Cameron Payne scored a EuroLeague career-high 22 points as Anadolu Efes defeated city rivals Besiktas 89-80 at home Thursday in the seventh round of the EuroLeague.
The hosts made a strong start, taking an 18-9 lead midway through the opening quarter. Although Besiktas briefly reduced the deficit to three points at 20-17, Efes responded to finish the period ahead 29-17.
The Black Eagles fought back early in the second quarter, cutting the gap to five points at 35-30, but Efes regained control and extended their advantage to 21 points, heading into halftime with a commanding 57-36 lead.
Besiktas came out strongly after the break, opening the third quarter with a 10-0 run before narrowing the deficit to seven points at 65-58 with 90 seconds remaining.
Efes, however, maintained a 68-60 lead heading into the final quarter and pulled away again, stretching the margin to 17 points at 81-64.
The visitors mounted another late comeback, closing the gap to 85-77 with just over a minute remaining, but Efes held on to secure an 89-80 victory.
Payne, who joined Efes following Mike James' season-ending ACL injury, led the hosts with 22 points, while Collin Malcolm added 15, all in the first half.
Eugene Omoruyi paced Besiktas with 16 points, followed by Jaylen Nowell with 14.
New signing Lonnie Walker IV made his Besiktas debut, scoring five points.
The result improved Anadolu Efes' record to 3-4, while Besiktas dropped to 3-4.
Halis Sünnetci