FRA/TUR - Resilient Turkey overcome slow start to keep France winless

RODEZ (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – Turkey came back from a double-digit deficit to beat France 54-51 at the Amphitheatre on Saturday.

Both teams were looking to secure their first win and the result leaves the French in a tough situation with three games left in the preliminary round.

The Turks struggled early on, trailing 13-8 at the end of the first quarter. Margaux Galliou-Loko and Olivia Epoupa had the hot hand for France and helped them take a 26-21 lead at halftime.

The visitors fell further adrift in the third quarter, facing a double-digit deficit, 36-26, midway through the period.

However, they did not despair and went on a 10-0 run to get within 41-38 heading into the final frame.

They took the lead on Ozge Kavurmacioglu’s three-pointer with 7:52 left to play and that seemed to swing the momentum in their favour for good as they extended their advantage to seven, 48-41.

With the fans cheering them on, Les Bleus came back to get within one, 50-49, on Monny Niamke’s basket with just over three minutes remaining. However, that would be as close as they would get as the Turks held on.

Quotes

Hasan Firat Okul (Turkey head coach): We are really happy about our play. I’m really proud of my team and I believe in this team for the suite of this competition. After this game against France, we are here now and we are ready for the rest of the competition.

Arnaud Guppillotte (France head coach): It's always difficult to play against Turkey because it's a team that never abdicates. You must always be concentrating to score and defend. We must win the next games to qualify."

FIBA/LOC