CLUJ (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 Qualifiers) - The wonderful turnout of support continued the theme of the first qualifiers window last November, which saw huge spectator numbers right across the continent - including 5,000 for Romania's game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This time the number rocketed to 6,817 which set a new record for any basketball game in Romania and is the largest of the FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 Qualifiers window so far.

Turkey spoiled the party by taking a 56-45 success and that was a regret for Marginean, who had so desperately wanted to repay the faith of the home fans.

She said, "It was a very tough game and I'm just sorry for this amazing crowd, because we didn't win - although we tried to do our best.

"Unfortunately, it was just not our night and congratulations for our opponents, as the Turkish team were better than us."

Romania head coach Miroslav Popov echoed the sentiments of his star player and added, "I totally agree with Gabriela's opinions.

"I know that we can play better than this, but the Turkish team was stronger.

"Before the game, we knew that it will be a full arena and we expected to show our highest potential.

"Maybe the pressure was bigger than we expected."

While the home team were disappointed with the result and especially taking into account the landmark and historic crowd, even Turkey play-caller Aziz Akkaya was quick to express his admiration for the intensity and scale of the Romanian support.

"I want to express my appreciation for this wonderful crowd and to our hosts," he declared.

"Our defence worked really well and I think that was the key of the victory.

"In the most important moments of the game, my players made the right decisions - although even if the final difference seems quite big, it was not an easy victory."

Turkey moved to 3-0 in Group H, with Romania still having a solid platform to punch a ticket for the Final Round as they are 2-1 ahead of Wednesday's trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

FIBA