Alperen Sengun leads Turkey past Sweden in narrow victory
In a highly contested round of 16 matchup, Turkey squared off against Sweden, with Alperen Sengun at the helm for the undefeated Turkish squad. While Turkey entered the game as favorites, they faced a surprisingly resilient Swedish team that had only managed one victory during group play. In the end, Turkey scraped by with a 85-79 win, led by Sengun’s impressive performance.
Sengun’s Dominance Continues
Sengun showcased his all-around talent, finishing the game with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. His ability to impact the game on multiple fronts has solidified his status as a key player in the tournament. He currently ranks among the top three in assists, rebounds, and efficiency, while also holding the sixth spot in scoring with an average of 22 points per game.
Cedi Osman, a former Cleveland Cavaliers forward, contributed significantly with 17 points, while Shane Larkin, previously with the Boston Celtics, added 10 points to the scoreline. Their collective efforts were vital, but it was Sengun who once again stole the show.
Shooting Struggles Persist
Despite the victory, Turkey’s shooting woes were evident throughout the game. The team struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on only 29.1% of their three-point attempts and finishing at 39.1% from the field overall. While they did manage to get to the free-throw line more often than Sweden, their 71% shooting from the charity stripe, which included nine missed attempts, left much to be desired.
On the other hand, Sweden exhibited better shooting statistics but fell short in crucial moments. They allowed Turkey too many second-chance opportunities, leading to a significant disparity in rebounding. Turkey dominated the boards, out-rebounding Sweden by a margin of 12 and winning the offensive glass battle 18-7.
Looking Ahead
Despite the less-than-stellar shooting performance, Turkey’s resilience keeps them in contention as one of the tournament favorites, alongside Germany. Both teams remain undefeated, and their paths are set to cross in opposite brackets, presenting the possibility of a thrilling final showdown.
Turkey is set to face the winner of the matchup between Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Tuesday’s quarterfinal. With Sengun leading the charge, the Turkish team is poised to continue their strong tournament run.
