RIGA (Latvia) - It's Alperen Sengun's world, we're just living in it. The Turkish center powered his nation to a second consecutive 2-0 start to FIBA EuroBasket, picking up a 92-78 win over Czechia.
Türkiye were also 2-0 at this point in 2022, before losing to Georgia in a double overtime game. They have not enjoyed a 3-0 start to EuroBasket since the event took place in Poland in 2009.
Turning Point
Czechia were off to a flying start in this one, knocking down five of their first seven attempts from beyond the arc and scoring 27 points in the first quarter alone. This is the part where we remind you they had a total of 50 points in the whole game vs Portugal on Day 1.
You could see that Türkiye were a bit stunned by that start, but also, that they would not panic, and would instead respond with a big run of their own.
They went on a second-quarter 14-0 burst with six different players scoring, showcasing their depth to take the lead and keep Czechia in the rear view mirror the rest of the way.
TCL Player of the Game
Türkiye have had two balanced efforts in their two wins, but it's clear as day Alperen Sengun is a different beast.
The 23-year-old had 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting, with 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 blocks, a steal and an efficiency rating of 40, a game-high by some distance, hearing the MVP chants from the Turkish fans in Latvia.
Cedi Osman and Ercan Osmani deserve mentions, too. Osmani was strong to start the game, Osman had another gigantic third quarter, more than enough to get Türkiye a 2-0 start.
Stats Don't Lie
Without Jan Vesely and Ondrej Balvin, it's hard to protect the pain the way they used to do it in Czechia. Türkiye took full advantage of their size, driving inside and getting easy shots, winning the paint points 50-26.
Bottom Line
Türkiye took care of business, and it must be a nice feeling for coach Ergin Ataman to know his team is capable of double digit wins even with Shane Larkin scoring just 5 points.
Czechia meanwhile looked way better than in the first game, Martin Peterka delivering with five triples and 23 points off the bench. Czechia are down to 0-2 with games against Estonia, Serbia and Latvia up next.
They Said
"It was a mix of more things, we were kind of nervous and we didn't have the right focus. We just said to ourselves that this is not the way, that we can't represent our team like this. I'm happy today that we reacted the way we did, we showed a completely different face, we can play with everyone." - Martin Peterka, Czechia, explaining the difference between the performances against Portugal and Türkiye
"I love this kind of guys that want the ball to pass it. For me, this is basketball, not to play to score, but to help your team score. Our plan was okay, but he's on an amazing level as a 23-year-old, and for me it's amazing that he plays unselfish." - Czechia head coach Diego Ocampo talking about Alperen Sengun
"Actually, Alperen, I took him out to rest, because tomorrow night we have one more game. Then, he insisted to go on the court, but I didn't understand, and nobody told me about this. If somebody had told me, I could've even taken a timeout to draw up a set for him, but nobody told me. Don't worry. The EuroBasket is too long, we will go to the Final, and I am sure that until the Final, Alperen will get one more triple-double." - Türkiye head coach Ergin Ataman explaining why he subbed Sengun out with 9 assists and three minutes left on the game clock
"It's not a big deal for me, either. I was trying to tell him, but he didn't understand me. But it's okay. We have so many games left, so I have a chance to do it. If they keep doubling me, I'll just find the right play." - Alperen Sengun, Türkiye
"My teammate was telling me 'one more assist, one more assist,' so I said okay. But after 20, I was out." - Sengun, laughing when asked how he knew he had 9 assists
"I think my son Sarp was following that, but he sits in the back (behind the bench). We need to keep him on the front line of the bench, the communication would be much better in that situation." - Ataman adding to the fun
"Give me Alperen Sengun from the Houston Rockets to Panathinaikos, 100 percent we would beat the Houston Rockets." - Ataman on a roll
For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!
FIBA