Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul closed the 2025 calendar year on Tuesday evening with a hard-fought 72-71 victory over FC Barcelona at the Ulker Sports and Event Hall. The Round 18 matchup turned into a defensive grind that was only decided in the final seconds.
Both teams struggled to find rhythm offensively, trading physical possessions and contested shots all evening. Neither side managed 20 points in any quarter, underscoring the tone of a match built on defensive discipline and execution.
Wade Baldwin IV and Devon Hall proved decisive for the hosts late on. Baldwin converted three free throws in the final moments before Hall’s pressure defense disrupted Kevin Punter’s final attempt, which Baldwin blocked to seal the result.
Fenerbahce finished with the fourth lowest scoring performance of the season, but still held Barcelona to a season-low 71 points. The defensive performance secured the club’s eighth win in its last nine EuroLeague games.
Nicolo Melli provided a steady interior presence, with eight points and ten rebounds. His rebound helped limit Barcelona to 32 boards in total and prevented second-chance opportunities later.
Barcelona almost turned the game around after a late surge from Dario Brizuela, who scored 12 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter. Punter followed in the final minute with a three-pointer that briefly gave the visitors a 69-67 lead.
Baldwin responded with five points in the final 43 seconds, punishing fouls and forcing Barcelona to chase from behind. Fenerbahce ended the night with 75.0 percent shooting from the free-throw line, a crucial margin in a one-point game.
The win took Fenerbahce to 11–6 after an impressive turnaround from a 3–5 start. Barcelona, revived under Xavi Pascual, fell to 12–6 despite another competitive away result.
Barcelona host AS Monaco on December 30, while Fenerbahce travel to Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on January 2.
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