Rockets center Alperen Sengun delivered another standout performance Wednesday, powering Turkey to a 95-90 victory over Serbia and securing the top seed in EuroBasket’s Group A.
Sengun Outduels Jokic
Facing Nikola Jokic for the first time in international play, Sengun scored 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, grabbed 13 rebounds and handed out eight assists. Through five tournament games, the 22-year-old ranks tied for fifth in scoring, third in both rebounds and assists, and second in overall efficiency.
“I don’t think he would want that nickname,” guard Shane Larkin said when asked about Sengun’s early-career label of “Baby Jokic.” “Alperen has big aspirations … the sky is the limit for him.” Larkin added that while the comparison once fit, Sengun “is much bigger and much better than he was when they gave him that nickname.”
Serbia Awaits Vukcevic
Serbia played without Wizards center Tristan Vukcevic, one of five unavailable players as the team managed just 10 active bodies. Head coach Svetislav Pesic called Vukcevic’s ailment “a minor injury, nothing serious,” and said the 22-year-old should be ready “in 23 days.” Serbia is also missing Bogdan Bogdanovic, sidelined by a hamstring strain.
France Leans on Yabusele
Knicks forward Guerschon Yabusele erupted for 36 points in France’s win over Poland after head coach Frederic Fauthoux adjusted the offense to feature him more prominently. “We had a conversation with the coach, with the players too, to try to get me involved in the game a little bit more,” Yabusele said. “I know it is important for me to be aggressive the whole time, for the team and for myself.”
Portugal Advances Despite Queta Exit
Portugal moved on to the knockout stage after edging Estonia, even though Celtics center Neemias Queta was ejected midway through the third quarter. Officials assessed a second technical foul when they deemed his post-basket celebration excessive.
EuroBasket’s knockout round begins later this week with Turkey holding the No. 1 seed in Group A and Serbia awaiting reinforcements.
Source: HoopsRumors
