By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
In the first contest of the 2024 TUBAD Tournament, Karsiyaka edged out Anadolu Efes, 83-78, in Antalya on Monday.
Captain Kenan Sipahi connected a clutch three-pointer for a five-point lead with 57.2 seconds on the clock. After leading most of the way, his side held on to seal the win.
Explosive point guard Fatts Russell paved the way with 16 points, six assists, and three rebounds. James Webb III and Sean McDermott followed with 13 points apiece. Damien Jefferson had 11 points. Sipahi ended up with eight points to go with four assists, four steals, and one rebound.
With Shane Larkin (ankle) on the injury list, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague participant struggled against the defense for large stretches. Rodrigue Beaubois, Stanley Johnson, and Vincent Poirier were also out. Daniel Oturu recorded a game-high 19 points, Elijah Bryant finished with 16 points, and Jordan Nwora banked in five triples in a 15-point showing.
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Before the game, a moment of silence was held for Ilkan Karaman, the victim of a drunk driver on Sunday.
TÜBAD Mehmet Baturalp Turnuvası’nda Anadolu Efes ile oynayacağımız karşılaşma öncesinde İlkan Karaman için saygı duruşunda bulunuldu. pic.twitter.com/Cm8dT8NviN
— Karşıyaka Basketbol (@KSKBasket) September 9, 2024
Besides preparations for domestic play, the Izmir outfit is heading to Group C of the 2024-25 Basketball Champions League Regular Season opposite La Laguna Tenerife, Saint-Quentin and Kolossos H Hotels, and the team based in Istanbul to the EuroLeague.
The next contests in the TUBAD Tournament extend to Efes facing Galatasaray on Tuesday and Karsiyaka taking on the Lions on Wednesday.
Photo Credit: Anadolu Efes SK Twitter