Turkey routs Greece, books first EuroBasket title shot since 2001
turkey-routs-greece-books-first-eurobasket-title-shot-since-2001
Turkey stormed past Greece 94–68 in Friday’s EuroBasket semifinal, seizing a 12-point advantage in the opening quarter and widening the gap in every period the rest of the way. The victory sends the Turks to Sunday’s championship game, marking their first appearance in the gold-medal contest since they hosted the event in 2001.
Rockets center Alperen Şengün continued his strong tournament with 15 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, helping Turkey outscore Greece by 24 during his 33 minutes on the floor. Forward/center Ercan Osmani led all scorers with 28 points on 11-of-15 shooting, while Cedi Osman added 17 points and finished a team-best plus-32.
Osmani also drew the primary defensive assignment on Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks star was limited to 12 points on 6-for-13 shooting—his lowest output of the competition—along with 12 rebounds, five assists and five turnovers in 30 minutes. Antetokounmpo had recorded at least 25 points in each of his previous five EuroBasket outings.
Turkey heads into Sunday’s final with an 8-0 record. Germany’s roster, featuring Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner, Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schröder, two additional current NBA players and two former NBAers, awaits its own matchup this weekend. Turkey’s group includes Şengün, 76ers big man Adem Bona and five former NBA players.
Greece will face Lauri Markkanen and Finland in Sunday’s third-place game.
Source: Hoops Rumors
