Türk Telekom Basketball Team lost 76-73 at home to French representative Cosea JL Bourg in the second match of the BKT European Cup semi-final, and the series was tied 1-1.
While the match started with a 4-point series by the guest team, Türk Telekom responded with a three-point field goal by Trifunovic. Responding to Türk Telekom’s points with Devoe with Lindo, JL Bourg was ahead 16-13 in the first part of the quarter. The guest team, which was successful in defense and attack, increased the difference to 8 (23-15). In the remaining period, both teams scored a three-pointer and JL Bourg finished the first period ahead 26-18.
Taking control of the game at the beginning of the second quarter, Türk Telekom reduced the difference to 2 points (24-26). While both teams were having difficulty scoring points after this minute, the home team took the lead 30-28 with 4 minutes and 10 seconds left before the half. Having a 9-7 advantage over its opponent in the remaining part, Türk Telekom went to the locker room ahead 39-35.
JL Bourg responded to Türk Telekom’s 5-point streak at the beginning of the third period with 11 consecutive points and took the lead 46-44. While the two teams were scoring mutual points in the middle section, the home team regained the upper hand with Usher’s points and Devoe’s three-pointer: 53-51. Türk Telekom did not allow the gap to be closed and entered the last 10 minutes with a 59-56 advantage.
The last quarter started with baskets from mutual free throws, and the first 4 minutes passed with a 63-63 draw. Afterwards, JL Bourg, who had a higher hit percentage in attack, gained a 5-point advantage (65-70). After countless minutes, Türk Telekom reduced the difference to 1 (69-70) with Allman’s points from the free throw. Allman answered Gach’s three-point field goal for the guest team and the difference was preserved. Excitement came in the last seconds of the match after Mcdowell-White missed two free throws. After Smith’s unsuccessful three-point attempt, Mcdowell-White made a free throw this time and JL Bourg increased the difference to 2 with 15 seconds left. Allman, who became a star in the last part of the quarter, made 1 free throw with 8 seconds left and missed the chance to draw the draw (73-74). Mcdowell-White, who came back to the line after the foul, made it two out of two and gave his team a 3-point advantage. Türk Telekom, which had 3.7 seconds left in the last attack, could not make use of the three-point shot and JL Bourg won the match 76-73 and brought the series to 1-1.
The 3rd and last match of the series will be played on Wednesday, April 8, hosted by JL Bourg. The winner of this match will be Beşiktaş GAİN’s opponent in the final.
