Istanbul, Turkey – Bahçeşehir Koleji secured their spot in the 7DAYS EuroCup semifinals for the second consecutive season, overcoming a hard-fought battle against U-BT Cluj-Napoca with a 75-72 victory on Monday. The Turkish side demonstrated resilience and clutch play down the stretch to advance in the tournament.
The single-elimination quarterfinal matchup, played at the Sinan Erdem Sports Hall in Istanbul, saw Bahçeşehir Koleji initially fall behind before mounting a comeback fueled by strong shooting and effective interior play. The win sets up a semifinal clash against the winner of the Beşiktaş GAİN and Dolomiti Energia Trento series.
Tight Contest Sees Bahçeşehir Koleji Edge Past Cluj-Napoca
The game began with a back-and-forth exchange, with U-BT Cluj-Napoca establishing an early 8-2 lead in the third minute. Bahçeşehir Koleji responded emphatically with an 11-0 run sparked by three-pointers from Homesley, Flynn, and Cavanaugh, taking a 13-8 advantage. The first period concluded tied at 18-18 after Cluj-Napoca found their rhythm with contributions from Creek, Miletic, and Guzman.
Bahçeşehir Koleji started the second quarter strong, extending their lead to eight points at 31-23 in the 17th minute. Both teams experienced turnovers, but Bahçeşehir Koleji effectively utilized the paint, taking a 39-38 lead into halftime. The second half saw a continued exchange of baskets, with Homesley and Russell leading the charge for Bahçeşehir Koleji, while Williams, Cavanaugh, and İsmet Akpınar contributed key points. By the end of the third quarter, Bahçeşehir Koleji held a 61-56 advantage.
Dramatic Fourth Quarter Seals Victory
The fourth quarter proved to be a nail-biter. Cluj-Napoca opened with a 6-0 run, spearheaded by Miletic and Molinar, to regain the lead at 61-62 in the 33rd minute. Bahçeşehir Koleji regained momentum, leading 70-69 with two minutes remaining. A basket by Ceaser for Cluj-Napoca was answered by a crucial three-pointer from Cavanaugh, giving Bahçeşehir Koleji a 73-71 lead with 23 seconds left on the clock.
The final moments were filled with tension. Cluj-Napoca’s Ceaser was fouled and made one of two free throws, bringing the score to 73-72 with just two seconds remaining. Cavanaugh was then fouled and successfully converted both free throws, sealing the 75-72 victory for Bahçeşehir Koleji. The team demonstrated composure under pressure, securing their place in the semifinals.
This marks the second year in a row that Bahçeşehir Koleji has reached the EuroCup semifinals, demonstrating the program’s growing success and competitiveness on the European stage. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and execute in crucial moments was key to their victory against a determined Cluj-Napoca squad.
What’s Next for Bahçeşehir Koleji?
Bahçeşehir Koleji now awaits the winner of the Beşiktaş GAİN versus Dolomiti Energia Trento quarterfinal series. The semifinal matchups are set to start shortly, and Bahçeşehir Koleji will be looking to continue their impressive run in the EuroCup. Details regarding the schedule and location of the semifinal games will be announced by the league in the coming days. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and information through the official EuroCup website and Bahçeşehir Koleji’s social media channels.
The team’s success is a testament to the dedication of the players, coaching staff, and the passionate support of the Turkish fanbase. As they prepare for the semifinals, Bahçeşehir Koleji will undoubtedly be aiming to build on their momentum and compete for the EuroCup championship.
