By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Two days after a win over archrival Galatasaray, Fenerbahce managed to emerge victorious in another Istanbul classic, this time against Besiktas.
Ismet Akpinar scored 23 points on 7-8 3-pointers and dished out five assists as Fenerbahce Beko took an 81 – 72 victory and handed Besiktas its first loss at home this season. The reigning champions improved to 8-0 to remain the only unbeaten team in the Turkish BSL League.
Akpinar received particular praise by Fener coach Dimitris Itoudis. “Congratulations to Ismet Akipnar,” Itoudis said. “He’s a player who doesn’t constantly take minutes but he practices very well. He loves his job and the job here. It’s a big thing for us to defend and make those shots.”
Johnathan Motley produced 19 points and seven rebounds while Sehmus Hazer contributed 13 points for Fener. Burak Can Yıldızlı had 15 points plus five rebounds and Jordan Usher scored 13 for Besiktas.