The surprise went to do the Turkey Opposite the favorite for the first place in the 1st group France (“Silver” at the Paris Olympics and present on the podium in the last eight Eurobaskets), at the premiere of the women’s Eurobasket 2025, at the SEF.
International Forward Zanel Salaun (22p, 4p) was there to take France on her shoulders, especially in the 4th period and give her a 71-69 victory. The “blue” were found at -9 from Turkey, but with a overturn in the last minutes, they entered the … right in the event.
Valerian Ayiagi, with 14 points (3/8 three-pointers) and 7 rebounds, made 67-71 out of 6.75 at 38΄΄ before the end of Turkey’s top scorer with 20 points Terra McCuan with 2/2 shots made it 69-71, but in the remaining time, Alperi Onar failed in their attempt to three points.
Olkai Chakir scored 18 points and was a worthy supporter of Terra McCuan for Turkey who… paid 18 errors against France 11, and did not use all 47 rebounds!
On Thursday (19.06.2025), France will be on the road to National Greece at 8:30 pm in the SEF, and at 17:30, Turkey faces Switzerland.
Let us mention that about 50 French fans found themselves in the chef’s stands and did not stop encouraging their national team throughout the match, giving life to the empty chef.
The quarters: 23-22, 44-36, 54-48, 69-71
TURKEY (Memnun): Istanbouloglou, Ouzun 8 (1/3 three -pointers), Chakir 18 (1/2 three -pointers, 5 assists), fetik 8 (1/3 three -pointers), McCuuan 20 (15 rebounds), Onar 7 (1/3 three -pointers), Bayram (12 rebounds)
FRANCE (Tupan): Brean 6 (1/3 three -pointers), foam, Ayiagi 14 (3/8 three -pointers, 7 rebounds), Rupert 10 (10 rebounds), Salat 22 (1/5 three -pointers), Bandian, Toure 8 (1/4 three -pointers), Pugie, Tabdi, Lacan 6
Turkey’s group statistics: 16/42 two -pointers, 6/16 three -pointers, 19/33 three -pointers, 47 rebounds (32 defensive, 15 offensive), 13 assists, 20 fouls, 18 errors, 4 steals
France’s group statistics: 17/41 two -pointers, 7/27 three -pointers, 16/21 shots, 42 rebounds (27 defenses, 15 offensive), 20 assists, 26 fouls, 11 errors, 7 steals, 4 blocks