Unstoppable Larkin overpowers Olympiacos in Turkey
EUROLEAGUE REGULAR SEASON - ROUND 28
Shane Larkin produced a stunning 40-point performance in Turkey to fire Anadolu Efes to a 91-79 victory over Olympiacos in the EuroLeague regular season.
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Enjoying the season of his life, Larkin put Olympiacos to the sword at the Sinan Erdem Dome, scoring 40 points and 10 three-pointers as he produced another scintillating performance for Anadolu Efes. This is the second time in the current campaign when the gifted 27-year-old American guard has scored a minimum of 40 points in a single EuroLeague game:
Anadolu Efes, who have only suffered four defeats in 28 matches, occupy first place of the regular season standings. Olympiacos, however, are down in 11th spot with a 12-16 record as they continue to battle for a playoff berth.
Vasilije Misic also impressed for the hosts with a haul of 12 points and nine assists. Shaquielle McKissic, the hero of the Eternal Derby for Olympiacos against Panathinaikos on Tuesday, could only score five points this time.
Octavius Ellis was the leading Olympiacos scorer with 14 points on the board.
Next week, Olympiacos will face Olimpia Milano behind closed doors in Italy, while Anadolu Efes will host Valencia.
THE MATCH
Olympiacos, on a high after their thrilling victory against Panathinaikos, made a fast start on the road and quickly opened up a 15-8 lead in the first quarter.
However, as Larkin started to settle, Anadolu Efes rapidly improved and stormed back to take the opening frame 29-24. Dwight Buycks drained a late three-pointer in the period to keep Olympiacos in touch.
The Erythrolefki struggled to keep pace with their opponents as the game progressed. Anadolu Efes outscored Olympiacos 22-17 in the second quarter to gain a commanding 10-point advantage.
An advantage which increased to 17 points in the third period:
With the game over as a contest, Anadolu Efes could afford to take their foot off the gas as Olympiacos won the fourth quarter 24-19, but the Greeks were comfortably kept at bay.
