By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
With Jordan Theodore catching fire in the fourth quarter Banvit beat Galatasaray 71 – 68 and became the first team to advance in the Turkish Cup Final.
The American guard scored 15 out of his 20 points in the last seven minutes of the game while also dishing out 5 assists. Gediminas Orelik, who was named Game MVP, finished with 17 points and 6 rebounds punishing his opponents from neglecting him when beyond the arc by hitting 5/6. Damian Kulig flirted with the double-double after 10 points and 9 rebounds.
Their efforts led the team from Bandirma to the third Turkish Cup final in the club’s history after 2007 and 2012.
For Galatasaray Vladimir Micov scored 13 while Goksenin Koksal, Jon Diebler and Alex Tyus added 12 apiece with the latter also having 6 rebounds. After trailing 33 – 28 at halftime, the “Cimbom” got a lead 47 – 51 at the end of the third quarter and 65 – 68 with almost 2 minutes left but that was the last time they connect to the basket.
Theodore’s heroics put his team in front while on the other end, Gala was making one error after the other. Still they had a chance to make amends but with the score 69 – 68 and 19 seconds to go a risky pass led to a turnover. Theodore was perfect from the line sealing the final outcome.