By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The USA resisted Turkey’s hunger in their overtime battle that took place in Shanghai and escaped with a 93-92 victory. Despite the defeat, Turkey showed that the world indeed has game (as the FIBA World Cup slogan says) and set the stage for great battles to come.
With only 0.1 seconds on the clock, Cedi Osman fouled on Jason Tatum, who was awarded three free throws, one of which he missed and sent the game to overtime at 81 points. In the extra-five minute period, USA rushed with a 7-0 run, though Turkey had the chance to get ahead with 91-92.
At the game’s most crucial point, Dogus Balbay and Osman lost decisive free throws and when Khris Middleton (15 points) went to the line, he sealed the fate of the game.
It was an intense battle all game long, with Ufuk Sarica’s team not letting Team USA get too far with the deficit. When the game turned even in the fourth period, it seemed like the Turks had the upper hand, though it all came down to the overtime.
Ersan Ilyasova had an incredible game in both ends of the court for the Turkish team, with 23 points and 14 rebounds, though he ceased to be the hero of the game when he tried a three-point shot with 2 seconds to go in order to give his team a great result.
Photo credit: FIBA.basketball