By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
It happened once (vs New Zealand), it happened twice (vs Finland), it happened third time (vs Australia)! Turkey is the master of the comebacks during this World Cup showing tremendous passion, stubborn, focus and big… heart!
Turkey won four games so far in Spain and only the win over Dominican Republic was easy. The other three victories were thrilling and all ended with the Turkish players celebrating after a clutch play.
Turkey-New Zealand
All started against New Zealand in the first gameday. Savas was great in the second half; Turkey came back with 24-17 in the last quarter and beat after Tunceri’s steal in the last second.
Turkey-Finland
After the defeat by USA Team and Ukraine, Turkey was in the verge of eliminating, while Finland was leading 41-27 in the halftime of the fourth gameday. Asik was the tower of the team, but the clutch player was Akyol. He tied the game with a three, 4 seconds before the end and led the game to an extra period. Turkey conquered the game and almost secured its spot in the round “16”.
Turkey-Australia
The most thrilling game was the first knock vs Australia. Turkey was 5 points behind 62 seconds to go. Guler was amazing until there but the hero of the last minute was Preldzic who scored two threes, 48’’ and 5’’ to go!
| Turkey-New Zealand | Turkey-Finland | Turkey-Australia | |
| Score | 76-73 | 77-73 | 65-64 |
| 2nd Half | 48-35 | 41-27 | 31-29 |
| 4th Quarter | 24-17 | 15-9 (9-5 extra p.) | 19-14 |