TUR - Turkey U17 captain lets her game do the talking

RODEZ (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) - Even though the Preliminary Round of the FIBA U17 World Championship for Women is still ongoing, it's safe to say that Turkey's come-from-behind 54-51 win against hosts France over the weekend will rank as one of the best games of the tournament once it's all said and done.

The Turks fought back from a double-digit deficit to beat the home team in front of their own fans. The result was very much welcomed as Hasan Firaet Okul's girls had lost a close game against Canada on the tournament's opening day.

Unfortunately, the win over France took a lot out of Turkey both mentally and physically, so much so that they then lost against high-energy and lightning fast Japan (80-60) on Sunday to drop to 1-2 and into fourth place of Group B.

They face a tough task against unbeaten USA on Tuesday, before playing their last pool game against Russia on Wednesday.

But with team captain Ozge Kavurmacioglu averaging 14.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, Turkey cannot be underestimated and will do what they have done in every game so far - play their hearts out and leave it all out on the court.

FIBA.com talked to the 17-year-old about the win over France and her role on the team.

FIBA: How important was beating France? Do you feel you got your revenge for last year's quarter-final defeat against them at last year's U16 European Championship?
Kavurmacioglu: We really wanted to win against France. It's always hard to beat a country playing at home, but we did it. It was our ambition to beat the team that we lost to last year.

FIBA: You lead your team in scoring and rebounding. How important is that for you as the leader and in setting an example for your team-mates?
Kavurmacioglu: I am the captain so it's my objective to be responsible and play well with the ball. I love my team and my team-mates. It's a pleasure to play with them. That's essential for me.

FIBA: This is the first-ever World Championship in this age category. What do you think about the level of play?
Kavurmacioglu: All games can end with surprising results because we are not yet sure about the level of the World Championship.

FIBA: What did you know about France before coming here and has your thinking changed since you got here?
Kavurmacioglu: We know France very well and we love this country. We have already come here several times so it is a familiar place for us.

FIBA/LOC