Turkish BSL: Fenerbahce winning run snapped

In the race to be crowned Turkish BSL Regular Season champion, Banvit Bandirma struck a blow for fellow title contender Fenerbahce Istanbul by outgunning the Euroleague club during Round 20.

The game of the week in the Turkish BSL went right to the wire, with Banvit emerging with a 76-75 win in front of its own fans in Balikesir. Fenerbahce has been on an impressive seven game winning streak in the league, while also winning 8 of its last 9 on the continent, while also claiming the Turkish Cup last month.

Banvit BK had it all to do then, but the club picked up the win that pushed the club into fourth with a 12-8 record. Fenerbahce remains in touch at the top with a 15-5 record that keeps it a two way race with Anadolu Efes at the top of the Turkish BSL standings.

Speaking of Anadolu Efes Istanbul, the club picked up a road win over reigning champions Pinar Karsiyaka Izmir last weekend to continue its solid season. Galatasray’s win over Usak at home helped the club retain possession of third place, with all three Istanbul giants occupying places one through three in the league.

Banvit BK vs. Fenerbahce Istanbul, 76-75
The game started to form, with Fenerbahce controlling the first quarter to take a commanding 20-31 lead through the opening ten minutes. The visitors stayed in control in the second frame despite Banvit working themselves back into the game, at the long break the scoreboard read 36-45. Fener’s grip on the game started to loosen further in the third act, with the hosts using a 19-10 run to make it 55 apiece through thirty minutes. In the deciding stanza, Banvit BK carried the momentum and snatched the win in the dying seconds.

A.J. Slaughter led the victory with 19 points for Banvit, while Adrian Moerman added 15 points and 8 rebounds, and Tolga Gecim added 13 points.

Bogdan Bogdanovic kept the pace for Fenerbahce, providing a game high 22 points in the losing effort. The Serb was followed by Bobby Dixon with 12 points.