Anadolu Efes suffered their first Turkish league defeat this season, losing to last season's EuroCup finalists Bursaspor, despite Will Clyburn's efforts.
In the meeting of the two undefeated teams, Frutti Extra Bursaspor (4-0) hosted Anadolu Efes Istanbul (3-1). The team coached by Dusan Alimpijevic came out with another win (88-86), forcing the back-to-back EuroLeague champs and last season's Turkish BSL finalists to their first defeat.
Onuralp Bitim starred for Bursaspor with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Anthony Clemmons led the way with 24 points and 3 steals. Derek Needham finished the game with 16 points and 5 assists, while Ahmet Duverioglu had a double–double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
For Efes, who were coming off a tough win over ALBA Berlin last Friday night, Will Clyburn produced 28 points, but it was not enough.
Rodrigue Beaubois scored 20 points, while Ante Zizic contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds. Vasilije Micic added 10 points, but was fouled out, receiving a technical after an altercation he had with Alimpijevic in the fourth quarter.
After Micic's ejection, Anadolu Efes gained motivation on both sides of the court. Ergin Ataman's squad made an 8-0 run, reducing the deficit to one with 2 minutes left. However, the last few seconds were a different story. Bursaspor was the team that led 88-86 in the final seconds, but Anthony Clemmons turned the ball over with 10 seconds left.
Will Clyburn wasted Efes' last opportunity by losing the ball with 2 seconds left, thus sealing the outcome.
