Istanbul, Turkey – Fenerbahçe Opet took a 1-0 lead in the Halkbank Women’s Basketball Super League finals series on Tuesday, defeating Galatasaray Çağdaş Faktoring 85-70 in front of a fervent home crowd. The victory sets the stage for a compelling best-of-five series as both teams vie for the Turkish championship.
The match, played at the Metro Energy Salonu, saw Fenerbahçe overcome a slow start to dominate the second half, fueled by a strong defensive performance and efficient offensive execution. Head Coach Miguel Mendez acknowledged the team’s initial struggles but expressed satisfaction with their resilience. “Right now, the series is only 1-0, and it will be a long series,” Mendez said after the game. “Because our opponent is a good team. They have played good basketball throughout the season. Today, frankly, we didn’t start with good basketball. I am happy with the result because we recovered at a certain point. We focused on getting the ball into the paint on offense and shared the ball very well. But in the next game, we need to be tight from the first second and play better basketball.”
Mendez highlighted the defensive adjustments as a key turning point in the game. “Honestly, it’s very difficult to pinpoint just one thing. But of course, we made some changes on defense. We tried different defensive variations. We set the tempo starting from defense. This was critical for us. We were able to find our hot hands on offense. So that was important, and setting the tempo from defense was very important for us.” The coach also emphasized the crucial role of the home fans, stating, “Our fans were incredible. They always are. The atmosphere here was amazing, incredible. We already play for our fans. We play for Fenerbahçe and for Fenerbahçe people. I am sure that in the next game we will see our fans here again and create a very nice atmosphere.”
Fenerbahçe players echoed their coach’s sentiments. Sevgi Uzun, a key contributor in the win, emphasized the importance of securing a victory in the opening game, knowing a trip to Galatasaray’s home court awaits. “It’s very important for us to separate from the final series with a win, starting at home,” Uzun stated. “After all, we will also go on the road. We are aware of the seriousness of this. We put on a very good fight. Derbies are very important and big games for all of us. We also thank the fans who did not leave us alone here. There was a very nice atmosphere. It’s more enjoyable and fun to play these derbies with them. We are happy to separate with a win. Let’s leave this behind and, as we always say, prepare for the Wednesday game and want to separate from there with a win as well.”
Uzun also acknowledged the team’s adjustments to Galatasaray’s strengths, particularly their size and athleticism, while noting the absence of Kayla. “Galatasaray is a strong team, we are aware of that. They are tall, athletic… We don’t have Kayla with us, we feel her absence. But we tried different rotations and got good answers. We are happy about that. I am sure that their basketball will change, but we will adapt to them and give an answer and I think we will separate from there with a win.” She issued a direct appeal to the fans, urging them to continue their support: “Our fans shouldn’t leave us alone. We are waiting for everyone here. Victory is much more lovely with our fans. The atmosphere is also nice with them. We are waiting for everyone at the Metro Enerji Salonu on Wednesday.”
Captain Alperi Onar underscored the importance of a strong start and the team’s ability to overcome early challenges, especially with players returning from injury. “It was very important for us to start the game well today,” Onar explained. “Because we also have shortcomings, we have friends returning from injury. Our biggest goal was to start the finals series well in front of our home crowd and our fans. That’s why I’m very happy to separate from here with a win. I thank all our fans who came here very much. They created a very nice atmosphere. I hope we will reflect a much better basketball on the field in the second and third games. Because after this, there is the Final Four. We need to slowly grow our basketball here, close this place with the cup and continue working for the Final Four afterwards. I am very happy that we started with a win. I hope it will continue like this.”
Onar identified defense as the key to Fenerbahçe’s success. “We continued to play our own basketball. We tried to reflect our own defense and our own offense on the field. Our defense settled more and more. Defense is important in final series, and I think we reflected this well on the field. I believe our offense will develop after that. So, defense was key for us. We responded well to everything they did. I hope we will raise our offense more in the second and third games and show a more beautiful basketball.”
The win places Fenerbahçe in a favorable position as the series shifts to Galatasaray’s home court for Game 2 on Wednesday. The Halkbank Women’s Basketball Super League final promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination. Fans can expect a high-stakes battle as Fenerbahçe aims to maintain their momentum and Galatasaray seeks to even the series on their home floor.
The next matchup is scheduled for Wednesday, March 31st, at Galatasaray’s home arena. Fans can stay updated on the series and official announcements through the official website of the Turkish Basketball Federation: Türkiye Basketbol Federasyonu.
What are your thoughts on Fenerbahçe’s chances of winning the championship? Share your predictions in the comments below!
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