On September 13th Beijing time, during the EuroBasket men's semifinals, Turkey beat Greece decisively 94-68, advancing to the final after 24 years to challenge Germany for the championship. Sengun was heavily guarded, making 5 of 15 shots, yet he still produced comprehensive stats with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. Osmanli turned out to be Turkey’s surprise star, leading all scorers with 28 points. Osman played through injury to add 17 points. Giannis scored just 12 points. Turkey never trailed throughout the game, leading by 18 points at halftime and extending the margin in the second half to secure a big win. Greece will play Finland for third place.

Statistics

Greece: Giannis 12 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks; Sloukas 15 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists; Dosic 9 points, 3 assists; Kleanthis 11 points; Antetokounmpo Jr. 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 blocks

Turkey: Sengun 15 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals; Osmanli 28 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals; Osman 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; Larkin 14 points, 5 assists; Korkmaz 7 points; Hazel 7 points, 7 assists

Player of the Game

Sengun was heavily guarded, but teammate Osmanli stepped up, shooting 11 of 15 from the field and 6 of 8 from three-point range, scoring 28 points with 6 rebounds.

Match Recap

In the first quarter, Hazel, Osmanli, and Osman scored consecutively as Turkey opened with a 7-0 run. Dosic hit a three-pointer, Sengun assisted Osmanli twice, Dosic scored another three, Giannis dunked, and Osmanli made back-to-back threes, pushing Turkey’s lead to 12 points. Antetokounmpo Jr. scored consecutive layups, Osman converted a fast break, Kleanthis scored on a layup, and Larkin hit a mid-range jumper. The quarter ended with Turkey leading Greece 26-16.

In the second quarter, Hazel dunked on a fast break, and Sengun slammed down a dunk after an 0-for-8 shooting stretch, but his assists energized the team. Osmanli benefited the most, scoring multiple baskets off Sengun’s passes near the rim. After Giannis made a mid-range shot, Turkey launched another offensive surge. Korkmaz completed a three-point play, Sengun dunked, Osman hit a three-pointer, and Turkey went on a 12-0 run to extend the lead to 21 points. Dosic and Sloukas made threes for Greece, but the half ended with Turkey ahead 49-31.

In the first half, Greece committed 12 turnovers compared to Turkey’s 2. Giannis shot 2 for 7 with 4 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. Sengun was 2 for 11 with 5 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Osmanli scored 18 points with 4 rebounds, the only player from either team in double figures at halftime.

After the break, Sengun and Larkin scored inside, Sloukas hit a three, and Osmanli threw down a dunk. Giannis scored 4 straight points, but Turkey’s offense remained stronger. Larkin and Osmanli scored both inside and from outside, and Turkey led by 26 points. Sloukas scored 4 more points, Antetokounmpo Jr. dunked, Sengun scored on a hook shot, Papapetrou received a technical foul, and Sloukas hit another three. At the end of the third quarter, Turkey led Greece 72-51.

In the final quarter, Sloukas was called for an unsportsmanlike foul, Sengun missed two free throws, Giannis scored inside and drew a foul but missed the free throw. Osmanli hit a corner three, Sloukas scored on a reverse layup, Osman made a layup, Giannis had a dunk over Sengun, and Osmanli hit another three. With the game outcome decided, starters were subbed out in the last three minutes, entering garbage time. Antetokounmpo Jr. was ejected after two technical fouls, and Turkey secured a large victory over Greece.

Starting Lineups

Greece: Dosic, Giannis, Sloukas, Papapetrou, Mitoglou

Turkey: Larkin, Hazel, Sengun, Osman, Osmanli