TUR – Fenerbahce Ulker finish off Efes Pilsen in grand style to win title

ISTANBUL (Beko Basketbol Liga) - Fenerbahce Ulker ended the Turkish play-off finals with a thrashing of Efes Pilsen on Wednesday night.

After racing into an 18-point lead by the end of the opening quarter, Fener rolled to a 76-51 triumph and a 4-2 series win.

Oguz Savas, one of the Turkey national team centers that plays for Fenerbahce, grinned from ear to ear after the comprehensive victory.

"We absolutely did not expect this difference," he said.

"We knew our fans would give us great support, however.

"It's not possible to explain this happiness."

Former Turkey center Mirsad Turkcan led a balanced attack with 16 points while two players that will be at the FIBA World Championship this year, Roko-Leni Ukic and Semih Erden - also impressed.

Croatian playmaker Ukic hit seven of his 12 shots from the floor - including one of three from long range - and had 15 points.

Ukic, who joined Fener earlier this season from the Milwaukee Bucks, also handed out four assists.

Turkey center Semih Erden contributed 13 points and six rebounds.

It was an emotionally charged night.

The hugely popular Turkey national team coach Bogdan Tanjevic was on hand to watch the game.

Tanjevic began the season as the Fenerbahce boss but had to take a leave of absence in late March to have an operation and receive treatment for an undisclosed health problem.

Ertugrul Erdogan and Nedim Karakas took over the duties in his absence.

"First of all, I want to say that I'm very happy," Tanjevic said.

"My staff did a fantastic job.

"I congratulate all my players, and Ertugrul Erdogan and Nedim Karakas.

"Especially in the final series with Efes Pilsen, we played really well and deserved the title.

"This is a special evening."

Tanjevic is expected to take the Turkey national team reins in early August, after their preparations for the FIBA World Championship have started.

Assistant coaches Orhun Ene and Nihat Izic, with Erdogan also helping out, will coach the team in the early part of the summer and will be able to fill in if for Tanjevic during the World Championship if he has a setback in his recovery.

FIBA