A dynamic third quarter from Cedi Osman propelled Turkey past resilient Georgia in the Acropolis tournament opener 101-88 (18-24, 30-22, 27-20, 26-22).
Georgia started the game better, and after the converted and-one of Giorgi Shermadini already led by 9 points (14-5). Although Turkey reduced the deficit a bit, the first 10 minutes belonged to the more energetic Georgia.
With half of the second quarter remaining, the teams were tied but Onuralp Bitim and Bugrahan Tuncer quickly made two three-pointers in a row to give their team a 6-point lead (41-35). The difference between the teams remained largely the same and the two national teams entered their lockers separated by four – 48-44.
Although Georgia was 15 for 17 on two runs in the first half, the third quarter belonged to Cedi Osman. The Cleveland Cavaliers forward scored Turkey’s first 10 points in the quarter and finished the period with 15 points overall, extending the lead.
Although Georgia tried to come back and even managed to reduce Turkey’s lead to just 3 points (88-85) after Tornike Shengelia’s free throws, Alperen Sengun scored 5 points in a row, Osman added a triple and the winner of the match was no longer in question.
Osman scored 22 points on 9-for-14 shooting, grabbed 2 rebounds and dished out 3 assists for 18 PIR to lead the team. Another NBA player, Furkan Korkmaz added 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals for 15 PIR. Alperen Sengun also contributed with 17 points and 3 rebounds.
Tornike Shengelia was Georgia’s top scorer with 20 points on 8 shooting on 12, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal for 24 PIR. Giorgi Shermadini added 18 points and 4 rebounds for 22 PIR.
Turkey: Cedi Osman 22 (7/9 2PT, 2/5 3PT, 2/4 FT, 2 REB, 3 AST, 18 PIR), Furkan Korkmaz 18 (5/8 2PT, 2/6 3PT, 4 REB, 3 STL ), Alperen Sengun 17 (6/7 2PT, 5/8 FT, 3 REB), Onuralp Bitim 12 (3/4 2PT, 2/3 3PT).
Georgia: Tornike Shengelia 20 (8/11 2PT, 5 REB, 6 AST, 24 PIR), Giorgi Shermadini 18 (8/9 2PT, 4 REB, 22 PIR), Alexander Mamukelashvili 16 (6/8 2PT, 14 REB, 2 BLK, 22 PIR), Thaddus McFadden 12 (3/10 3PT, 3 AST).
Performance of Cedi Osman in the 3rd quarter:
