By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Different dynamics and different goals laid on the court of Shangai as Turkey took over Japan with an 86-67 victory in Group E opening game at China’s FIBA World Cup.
Turkey had its NBAers stepping up on their way to the victory. Ersan Ilyasova finished the game with 17 points (5/9 from afar), nine rebounds and three assists, as Cedi Osman dropped 12 points.
Ufuk Sarica’s team had a great start in the game, leading by 16 points by the end of the first period (28-12). The Japanese had a 23-19 run in the second but never managed to trim the deficit to single digits.
Turkey’s defense paid off in the second half, and even though their long-range shots slightly deteriorated, they kept a “safety net” for the entirety of the game.
“That was a key game for us. We were really strong in the defensive parts”, mentioned coach Ufuk Sarica.
Japan found some individual plays throughout the third period, though they were not enough to bounce back from 67-49 entering the last quarter. Julio Lamas’ team had Nick Fazekas and Rui Hachimura scoring 15 points apiece.
“We try to challenge the history and try to compete with the great teams of the group”, commented Lamas.
Turkey will have to put this great victory aside and get ready to face the USA on Tuesday, as Japan will take over the Czech Republic.
Photo credit: FIBA.basketball