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Fenerbahce Beko strengthened its push toward the EuroLeague Final Four by defeating Zalgiris 86-74 at home, taking a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five playoff series and moving within one win of qualification.
Playing at Ulker Sports and Event Hall, both sides initially struggled to find their rhythm, yet Fenerbahce Beko soon picked things up and took control through perimeter shooting. Tarik Biberovic and Baldwin stepped up from long range, helping the Turkish side build early momentum, while Zalgiris tried to stay in touch through Wright’s inside presence.
By the end of the first quarter, Fenerbahce had already opened a double-digit gap, leading 26-14, and carried that intensity into the second period.
As the game wore on, Fenerbahce Beko began to take over in the paint, particularly through offensive rebounds that allowed the team to extend possessions and stretch the scoreline.
Its physical edge inside gradually wore Zalgiris down, and the hosts went into halftime with a comfortable 51-33 advantage.
In the third quarter, experienced guard Nando de Colo stepped up and drove the game further out of reach. His scoring run helped Fenerbahce Beko pull away decisively, pushing the gap to as much as 23 points and entering the final period with a commanding 66-47 lead.
Zalgiris attempted to fight back in the closing stages, trimming the deficit to single digits late on, yet Fenerbahce managed the game carefully and closed it out without letting the momentum shift.
With this result, Fenerbahce Beko now leads the series 2-0. In the EuroLeague playoff format, the first team to reach three wins advances to the Final Four.
The third game will take place on May 6 in Lithuania, where Zalgiris will host. A victory there would see Fenerbahce Beko secure its place in the Final Four.
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