Alperen Sengun’s Brilliance and Ercan Osmani’s Emergence Propel Turkey into EuroBasket Final
Turkey faced its most formidable challenge yet in the knockout stage of EuroBasket on Friday, going head-to-head with the formidable Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Greek national team. Entering the matchup as slight favorites, few expected a dominant performance from Turkey. Instead, they delivered a statement victory, dismantling Greece with a resounding 94-68 triumph, thereby securing their place in the EuroBasket final with an impressive 26-point margin.
Sengun’s Stellar Performance
Alperen Sengun continued to shine in this tournament, contributing significantly to the team’s success with a stat line that included 15 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. His ability to impact the game on multiple fronts has been a hallmark of his play throughout the tournament.
Osmani’s Breakout Game
However, the night truly belonged to Ercan Osmani, who stepped up in a big way. Leading all scorers, he dropped 28 points, showcasing his offensive prowess and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His contributions were vital, and it was his defensive effort that earned him praise from Sengun.
“I made a promise to Ercan,” Sengun shared with Turkish reporters post-game. “If you keep Giannis under 20 points, I’ll buy you a Rolex. I will keep my promise and buy him the best Rolex.” Osmani certainly delivered on that front, holding the two-time MVP to just 12 points while Turkey effectively contained Greece, limiting them to only three players in double figures.
Looking Ahead to the Final
With this victory, Turkey now turns its focus to the EuroBasket final, where they will chase their first championship title. Their opponent will be a formidable Germany team, which remains undefeated and boasts standout players like Franz Wagner and Dennis Schröder.
Both teams have demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, sweeping through their respective group-stage and knockout rounds with flawless records. Turkey has already established itself as a legitimate contender, having dispatched not only Antetokounmpo and Greece but also three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Serbia.
As the final approaches, all eyes will be on Sengun to lead his team once again, with Osmani and Shane Larkin ready to provide crucial support. The stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling championship clash, with history on the line for Turkey.
