By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Turkey managed to keep Montenegro at bay and move up in Group O in the FIBA World Cup classification round with a 79-74 victory.
“We should have been in the second round, but right now we’re happy to be able to fight for a place in the Olympic tournament”, commented James Metecan Birsan.
Montenegro stayed in charge for three quarters into the game, though their fatigue gave out in the final two minutes of the game. Turkey managed to turn the tide and after a few pairs of free throws that followed, reached an important result in sights of the pre-Olympic tournament next year.
Cedi Osman paced the winners with 19 points and four rebounds, while Melih Mahmutoglu posted 17 points with 3 out of 6 from the three-point line.
In order to top their group, Ufuk Sarica’s men will have to fight off New Zealand (2-2) on Monday and Montenegro will hope for their first victory in the tournament, in their last game against Japan (0-4).
Photo credit: FIBA.basketball