Turk Telekom defeated Buducnost 79-77 in tonight’s EuroCup game, marking the second round of competition.
From the very beginning, it was clear that Budućnost faced a challenging task. The home team started determined, aiming to establish a double-digit lead that they could maintain. They succeeded in their efforts. Steven Enoch initiated the team’s performance, with Jalen Adams taking on the role of leader in creating a substantial lead. This duo was instrumental in Turk Telekom maintaining a 12-point lead at halftime.
Nenad Canak’s team maintained a double-digit lead for most of the second half. Whenever it seemed that Budućnost might pose a threat, Turk Telekom had a ready response. That was until the fourth quarter and the very end when the Podgorica team closed the gap to just minus two points. Via Wright McKinley, they even had a shot to force overtime but couldn’t extend the game to an additional five minutes.
The top scorers for the winning team were Adams with 18 points and James Palmer with 16. Brandon Paul led the guests with 19 points.
In the next round, Turk Telekom will face Aris on the road, while Buducnost will host Śląsk.
Steven Enoch and Jalen Adams were the central figures in the game
Turk Telekom started the game with a strong performance, both on the perimeter and inside, which they exploited during crucial moments. Steven Enoch had good minutes, and after Okben Ulubay’s three-pointer, the home team had an eight-point lead. Later, Jalen Adams, following his points, helped Nenad Canak’s team reach a double-digit lead for the first time. However, there was a slight relaxation, and Buducnost cut the deficit in half.
In the second half, the Turkish team strengthened their defense and, led by their defensive play, set the tone for their offensive production. Once again, Adams paved the way for a new double-digit lead for the home team, with significant support from his teammates. Budućnost played rather softly and couldn’t expect more than a 12-point deficit at halftime.
Buducnost had a chance at the end of the game. The start of the third quarter was marked by an ineffective sequence, after which the Podgorica team seemed more content. They reduced the deficit to seven points and prepared well for the rest of the game. Turk Telekom didn’t allow the skillful Wright McKinley to create more problems for them. The home team successfully fended off their opponent’s attacks and confidently marched towards victory.
Buducnost then woke up, with Colbey Ross making several exceptional plays to bring his team within seven points. Brandon Paul added more points, causing some anxiety for the opposition, who now only had a two-possession lead. The same player hit a three-pointer to make it 79-77, setting the stage for a dramatic final two minutes. The Podgorica team had a chance to send the game into overtime, but Wright’s shot missed, sealing the victory for Turk Telekom.
TURK TELEKOM – BUDUCNOST 79:77 (25:20, 25:18, 19:20, 10:19)
Venue: Arena u Ankari, Ankara; Referees: Sukys, Balak, Perez.
Turk Telekom: McDuffie 5, Guler, Saybir 2, Yagmur, Palmer 16, Adams 18, Wallace 14, Akyel 4, Ulubay 6, Sav, Enoch 14 (11sk), Ulusoy.
Buducnost: Mihailovic 5, Ilic 6, Magee 6, Ross 8, Slavkovic, Makoundu 6, Grbovic, Jones 4, Williams 7, Wright 14, Popovic 2, Paul 19.
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