Olympic Pre-Qualifiers: Turkey outlast Ukraine in Istanbul

Alperen Sengun

Turkey - Ukraine 85-72

Turkey captured the third straight win at the Olympic Pre-Qualifiers Group C. They held off Ukraine as both teams advanced into the semifinal stage. Alperen Sengun (208-C-2002) scored 30 points to pace the hosts.
Turkey and Ukraine got to an energetic start to the game exchanging baskets throughout the first period. The scoreboard read 25-25 after ten minutes. Turkey maintained the tempo throughout the second stanza. The hosts established a 49-41 halftime advantage. Turkey extended the lead in the third term. They piled up a 15-point lead heading into the fourth stanza. Ukraine cut the deficit in the fourth period but could not threaten the home side as Turkey drove to the win. Kenan Sipahi (197-PG-1995) and Omer Yurtseven (213-C-1998, college: Georgetown) delivered 11 points each for Turkey. Olexandr Mishula (192-SG-1992) answered with 14 points, while Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-C-1987) added 10 points for Ukraine.

Tags : ALPEREN SENGUN, OLYMPIC GAMES BASKETBALL, TURKISH NATIONAL TEAM