Fenerbahce Ulker, Anadolu Efes claim close wins in the Euroleague

Fenerbahce Ulker and Anadolu Efes both triumphed in close Euroleague contests on Friday to stay in touch with CSKA Moscow and Olympiacos in Group F of the Top 16.

Olympiacos had defeated CSKA 84-76 on Thursday to draw level with the Russians with a 5-1 win-loss record on Thursday, and the two Istanbul-based teams improved to 4-2 records a day later.

Nemanja Bjelica led the way for Fenerbahce against Laboral Kutxa, slotting two free throws to put his team ahead with 13 seconds left, before pulling down a rebound to secure the 91-90 victory.

Fenerbahce trailed by a point at the end of the first quarter in Istanbul but took control in the second and third quarters to lead 71-65 with a term to play.

Laboral Kutxa hit back in the last quarter, outscoring their hosts 25-20 but it was not enough to avoid their fourth defeat of the Top 16.

Bjelica notched a double-double for the home side, scoring 14 points and claiming 15 rebounds, while Andrew Goudelock top-scored for Fenerbahce with 19.

For the visitors, Fernando San Emeterio top-scored with 15 points.

In Milan, Anadolu Efes edged past Olimpia Milano 73-71 thanks to Stratos Perperoglou's 18 points.

MarShon Brooks and Daniel Hackett matched Perperoglou's points tally for the home team but they could not lead their side to victory.

The loss left Olimpia Milano with a 1-5 record in the Top 16, while Anadolu Efes sit fourth, just behind Fenerbahce on points difference.

Unicaja claimed their first win of the second group stage, defeating Nizhny Novgorod 85-76, while Panathinaikos won 65-59 at Alba Berlin in Group E.

Panathinaikos (4-2) moved a win clear of Barcelona (3-3) in third in Group E's standings, just one victory behind leaders Real Madrid and second-placed Maccabi Electra.