Türk Telekom beats Beşiktaş 88-63 led by Jerrick Harding

Jerrick Harding scored 21 points to lead Türk Telekom to an 88-63 victory over Beşiktaş in the Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Lig, Eurohoops reported. Playing at the Ankara Arena on Saturday, the home side controlled the tempo from the opening tip to secure a 25-point margin and move to three wins without a loss in league play. Türk Telekom hosted the third and final match of the day’s slate during the third week of action in the league.

Ankara Arena Opening Quarter Sets the Tone

Beşiktaş attempted to stay within striking distance behind three-point baskets from Furkan Korkmaz, but the visitors struggled defensively and committed unforced turnovers. The opening period closed with the hosts ahead 24-14. Doğuş Özdemiroğlu and Bako combined for the opening scores to launch Türk Telekom into a 7-0 run, pushing the lead to 16-4 through the first 6 minutes of the contest.

The home side expanded its advantage in the second period by utilizing Kris Bankston effectively in the paint. Harding contributed a driving basket that pushed the margin to 15 points at 29-14. As the first half drew to a close, a basket by Rayjon McKissic stretched the lead to 20 points, sending Türk Telekom into the locker room ahead 51-27.

How the Star Guards and Big Men Shaped the Box Score

Harding finished his night with 21 points and 2 assists, directing the offense while keeping Beşiktaş defenders off balance. Doğuş Özdemiroğlu delivered a complete performance with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Kris Bankston and Uros Trifunovic also added 14 points apiece, while Ismael Bako chipped in 11 points and 5 rebounds for the baştan sona (start-to-finish) winners. Additional contributors for Türk Telekom included McKissic with 10 points, Taylor and Lamb with 2 points each, alongside scoreless appearances from Ata Kahraman and Göktuğ Baş.

For Beşiktaş, David DeJulius led the scoring effort with 16 points and 3 assists. Conor Morgan added 10 points and 2 rebounds, while Furkan Korkmaz and Ante Zizic contributed 9 points each. Berk Uğurlu added 6 points, Brown chipped in 5 points, Gabriel contributed 4 points, and Nowell added 4 points, while Wilbekin, Dotson, and Metecan Birsen also appeared in the lineup. However, the black-and-white side finished the game shooting just 36 percent from the field and turned the ball over 17 times.

Standings Impact and Next Opponents

The decisive outcome leaves Beşiktaş with a 1-2 record after three matches, marking their second defeat of the young domestic season.

Türk Telekom solidified its position near the upper tier of the standings with the victory. In next week’s fixtures, Beşiktaş returns home to host Galatasaray MCT Technic, while Türk Telekom prepares to face Bandırma Bordo.