BURSA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Turkey have achieved some excellent results when playing national team games at home.

But Turkish point guard Baris Ermis says they will need to fight especially hard and play smart in next month's window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers when both of their games are on the road.

Turkey picked up two victories in the November Qualifiers to top Group B early on with a 2-0 record. They knocked off Latvia 85-73 at home in Bursa and then went to Kiev and beat Ukraine 67-60.

"The first two games were difficult because we didn't have much time to prepare for the other teams," said Ermis, who averaged 11.0 points, 8.5 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 3.5 steals in the two wins. "So we knew the main key would be to fight more than the other teams, and we did it perfectly."

The 33-year-old playmaker knows the upcoming games at Sweden on February 23 - which has already sold out and will set a new attendance record - and on the road versus Latvia on February 26 will not be easy.

"IT IS VERY HARD TO WIN AWAY GAMES, BUT WE HAVE TO BE SMART ALL GAME LONG AND WAIT FOR THE RIGHT MOMENT IN THE GAME TO BEAT THE OPPONENT AND AS A TEAM STICK TO THE COACH'S PLAN" ErmisErmis

"We have to fight more than the other teams. Because of this short preparation period, whoever wants to win the games more will have the advantage," Ermis said.

"It is very hard to win away games, but we have to be smart all game long and wait for the right moment in the game to beat the opponent and as a team stick to the coach's game plan."

The Bakirkoy native revelled in playing for the home fans in Bursa, rewarding them with a win over the Latvians.  

He credited the New Competition System for turning these opportunities into a reality. 

"It is perfect for the fans and also for the players," he said. "Especially in the Turkish culture where we are so passionate for home games. We find extra motivation and ambition with their support and play excellent basketball."

Ermis was part of one of Turkish basketball's biggest moments, as they claimed second place at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2010 in Istanbul. The then 25-year-old averaged 2.2 points, 1.0 assists and 0.6 rebounds.

Ermis, who debuted for the Turkish senior national team at the FIBA EuroBasket 2005 also played at Spain 2014. However, he did not play at the last two EuroBaskets or the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2016.

After Turkey's Round of 16 exit at FIBA EuroBasket 2017, Turkey head coach Ufuk Sarica called Ermis back into the national team for the World Cup Qualifiers.

"COACH SARICA GAVE ME THE STARTING POINT GUARD POSITION AND FULL RESPONSIBILITY, AND THAT ROLE GIVES ME A LOT OF CONFIDENCE. I TRY TO SHOW MY BEST ON THE COURT TO HELP MY TEAM WITH MY TALENT" ErmisErmis

"It is always a big pleasure to play with the Turkish national team. I was part of the team for about 10 years and I was out for three years, I tried every day to improve my basketball and be ready if they asked me back on the team. And I'm very happy that I am part of the team now," said the Tofas Bursa playmaker.

Sarica gave Ermis the full reins to the team as the main playmaker - and a selfless point guard who does not worry about getting his own points. There have been eight games this club season for Tofas in which Ermis has dished out more assists than points scored.

"Coach Sarica gave me the starting point guard position and full responsibility, and that role gives me a lot of confidence. I try to show my best on the court to help my team with my talent," he said.

But Ermis can also score if his team needs it - three times hitting for at least 15 points for a Turkish team that ranks second in the domestic BSL league.

Turkey's goal for the current qualification phase, according to Ermis, is clear: "We want to qualify for the next round with as many wins as possible to start the other group in the best position."

And that will take a lot of fight and smart play.

FIBA