In spite of competing very hard and leading by 15 points in the first half, Olimpia couldn’t complete the job in Istanbul and lost 86-78. It was a great effort by many players, Alessandro Gentile led the team early, MarShon Brooks late and Samardo Samuels fought against Efes’ big men. Daniel Hackett also had a terrific game. But it wasn’t enough. Efes survived a nightmarish first half thanks to a late rally inspired by Thomas Heurtel, who played the game of his life so far. The point-guard took control of the game late in the third quarter. Olimpia, who was up by just six points at the half when effectively it had dominated the game, tried to get away again early in the third but was plagued by fatigue and foul problems including a couple of technical fouls called quickly. In the fourt, full of confidence, Efes got away. Olimpia tried a late comeback but came up short. Olimpia now is eliminated by playoffs contention but it will have another big night next Thursday against powerhouse CSKA Moscow.