Turkey bags gold at U18 Championships

Konya, Turkey – The host nation of the U18 Championships rolled to victory with Turkey blazing through Serbia, 85-68. The future is looking bright for Turkish basketball with their U18 team bagging back-to-back championships. They made the most of their homecourt advantage and the momentum they built from their stunning upset over the previously undefeated Croatian squad.

Turkey pushed the tempo from the tip-off, their confidence rising with every converted basket. The crowd roared and cheered, in unison with every swoosh of the net. Turkey quickly built a formidable 14-point advantage at the end of the first quarter. Serbia’s bench came alive in the second period and they were able to cut down the lead to a more manageable single digit edge.

In the third quarter, the crowd got behind their young team as they converted on some key shots from beyond the arc. Turkey managed to make 10-of-23 shots from three-point range for the game, compared to Serbia’s 3-of-16 which was a telling advantage in favor of the hosts. Turkey outscored Serbia 32-18 in the third quarter and built a comfortable 22-point lead. Serbia valiantly tried their best to rally in the fourth, but Turkey was up to the task and they were able to protect most of their lead and eventually came away with the precious win.

Tolga Gecim was Turkey’s top scorer with 18 points. He also added six assists in his admirable effort off the bench. Okben Ulubay and Furkan Korkmaz chipped in 15 points apiece. Egemen Guven contributed 12 points of his own in the winning effort.

Stefan Peno finished with 13 points and Radovan Djokovic added 10 points for Serbia.

Croatia edge out the Greek team, 75-71 to claim the bronze medal of the competition.