A National Men’s Basketball Team defeated Great Britain 85-71 in the FIBA 2023 World Cup European Qualifications.
The crescent-star team started the match well at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, England and scored with Larkin, Buğrahan and Sertaç.
first quarter
Leading 13-5 in the 5th minute of the match, the national team could not prevent the 8-0 series with the baskets by Olaseni from under the basket and Hesson and Whelan from outside, and the difference decreased to 2 points (11-13) in the 6th minute. Continuing its effectiveness from outside shooting, the home team took the lead 16-15 with Clark’s 8th minute basket. “12 Giant Men” acted by Şehmus and Melih finished the first quarter 20-18 superior.
second quarter
According to AA; A National Team could not enter the second quarter well. Unable to stop Olaseni under the crucible, the national team fell back 24-22 in the 13th minute. In the match, where neither team was productive in offense, Larkin’s 3-point field goal in the 15th minute passed to the crescent-stars once again: 25-27. In the match, which continued with mutual baskets, Turkey opened the gap at the last minute and entered the halftime by 11 points with a superiority of 42-31.
third quarter
A National Team, which controlled the game in the third quarter, managed to keep the difference in double digits. The last quarter of the competition was passed with the 62-51 superiority of the crescent-stars.
last quarter
Entering the last period with a 4-0 series in the first 27 seconds, the national team continued their good game and scored 19 points (58-77) with Buğrahan’s basket in the 36th minute. In the remaining time, the nationals returned empty-handed from consecutive attacks with the complacency given by the difference. Great Britain, on the other hand, tried to close the gap by scoring from the free throw line and 3 points behind. However, to allow the difference to drop to single digits, the crescent-star team won the fight 85-71.
With this result, the National Team completed the first round of qualifying with 2 wins. Crescent-Stars will face Latvia, Belgium and Serbia in the second round of the qualifiers.
Ataman: “I think we represent Turkey in the best way”
A National Men’s Basketball Team Head Coach Ergin Ataman stated that it was very important for them to win the Great Britain game.
Ataman and one of the national players Ömer Faruk Yurtseven made statements to the press after the match played at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, England.
“The England game was an important game for us. It was a game we had to win.” Ataman said that from time to time they play a very good basketball, especially they have a serious advantage in the physical sense.
Ataman stated that they took control of the match by increasing their defensive aggression in the second half of the match, playing doubles under the basket, the balls stolen by Yurtseven and Şehmus Hazer, and the points scored by Shane Larkin.
Underlining that they achieved an important and excellent win in Newcastle, Ataman continued his words as follows:
“We are a new team. There is a new team and I am very happy with the responsibility my players have taken and the struggle they have given. I think we represent Turkey with the crescent and star flag here tonight in the best way. In the last 3 games played by England on this field, “Considering that they beat Germany, France and finally Greece, it’s an important win. Even though it’s not a team at our level, it’s important, it’s very important for us to get a win from here.”
“We have given a very good message to Europe. We are everywhere”
Ataman underlined that many Turkish sides also support them this evening, “This shows our unity and strength. This creates serious synergies for all of us.” made its assessment.
Ataman also thanked the Turkish sides who came to Newcastle for the match. “We have also given a very good message to Europe. We are everywhere.” he said.
“Missing players will join the team in August”
Ataman underlined that it is very important for him to coach especially the national team and expressed that he is honored to represent Turkey.
In addition, Ataman emphasized that the missing team players will be included in the team in August, so that the team will become much stronger.
Stating that one of the players, Larkin, is now a part of the Turkish national team and he feels good because he lives in Turkey, Ataman underlined that Larkin will make a great contribution to the team.
Yurtseven: “I think we were able to reflect that excitement and ambition”
Yurtseven, one of the national players, also stated that they came into the game with all their cards ready, “Of course there are missing players, but I think we were able to reflect that excitement and ambition.” used the phrase.
Yurtseven said that the Great Britain team is not at the level of the Turkish team, but their victory against a team with 3 wins is important. “On the one hand, since it is Turkey we represent, I think we do a good job every time we step on the pitch, every game.” said.
“The most important thing in this match was to win”
A National Men’s Basketball Team players said that it was very important for them to leave the Great Britain match with a win.
National players Onuralp Bitim and Sertaç Şanlı made comments to the press about the match after the match played at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, England.
Onuralp Bitim stated that the most important thing for them is to win, “Although we prepared well as a team, in the end we had to get used to each other and increase our chemistry more at the pace of the match. Today was a start.” used the expressions.
Bitim underlined that after the evaluations of their coaches about this match, they will complete their shortcomings and go out to the next match much better, “As a result, we are happy that we won.” said.
In addition, Bitim stated that Turkey has a high chance in the World Basketball Championship and continued as follows:
“We are a very good, quality team. We are working very well. We are evaluating this process well. It was a start. The most important thing in this match was to win because winning is a habit. We have just started. I hope we will continue this habit by winning the next matches.”
“The support of the Turkish fans is very important to us”
Sertaç Şanlı, one of the players, also stated that the Great Britain match was a difficult match for them, but they made a good start.
Underlining that the Turkish team consists of very talented players, Şanlı stated that they got a good win in Newcastle.
“Our first goal was to win. We will have a long preparation period ahead of us. We will improve our game.” Şanlı said that Turkey’s chances in the World Basketball Championship are also high.
Şanlı also said the following about the Turkish parties watching the match:
“We thank them very much. I didn’t think there would be so many Turkish fans. I didn’t know there were so many Turks living here. Their support is very important to us. They gave us a lot of support and strength. It is most important to feel them behind us. We will do better for them.”
