Anadolu Efes target Khimki for top spot in EuroLeague

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Istanbul's basketball giants Anadolu Efes are eying Khimki Moscow from Russia to climb into the top spot of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

Anadolu Efes are currently in second place in the league with a 13-3 record.

Real Madrid, Anadolu Efes and Barcelona share the top three spots in the standings with the same record.

Anadolu Efes previously beat Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv 99-79 in the EuroLeague last week.

EuroLeague said Anadolu Efes center, Bryant Dunston, is injured, and Khimki’s guard, Alexey Shved, is troubled by the flu.

Anadolu Efes will take on Khimki in Istanbul on Jan. 3 at 8.30 p.m. local time (1730GMT).

Anadolu Efes coach Ergin Ataman said Khimki are a dangerous team and his team should defend well to avoid shifting momentum.

"We have to attack in a quick tempo," Ataman said to voice key factors for victory.

He also praised Khimki's offensive performance in leading the league in scoring.

Khimki are seventh in the EuroLeague with mediocre 8-8 record.

They dropped 1,397 points in 16 rounds, while Anadolu Efes scored 1,360 points this season.