Turkey’s Alperen Sengun shines in a nail-biting 85-79 win over Sweden, securing a spot in the EuroBasket quarterfinals.
Despite trailing for most of the game, Turkey managed to edge past Sweden in a thrilling showdown that saw Sengun deliver a stellar performance. The Rockets’ big man dominated the court, notching up impressive stats with 24 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks.
In contrast, Heat’s Pelle Larsson put up a commendable fight for Sweden, scoring 15 points and contributing across the board with four rebounds, four assists, and a steal. The intense matchup kept fans on the edge of their seats, especially considering Sweden’s underdog status after a lackluster group phase.
Head coach Ergin Ataman voiced his frustration over the early game time imposed on Turkey, despite their top seed status. Ataman highlighted the team’s slow start but praised their resilience, particularly in the third quarter when their defense sparked a comeback. Although the game was a rollercoaster of emotions, Turkey ultimately prevailed, setting their sights on the upcoming quarterfinal clash.