Türkiye snatch OT win after 17-point comeback
Türkiye snatched a dramatic overtime victory against New Zealand, prevailing 112-100 after erasing a 17-point deficit.
In this FIBA U17 World Cup encounter, New Zealand appeared firmly in control, holding a 41-28 halftime lead and extending it to 64-47 entering the fourth quarter.
However, Türkiye mounted a stunning comeback, outscoring New Zealand 37-20 in the fourth to force overtime. Darius Karutasu's dominant 37-point, 11-rebound performance, complemented by Omer Kutluay's stellar 39 points and 9 assists, proved decisive. Kutluay, playing nearly 48 minutes, spearheaded the charge while Karutasu completed a double-double. New Zealand's Jayden Cecil delivered a monumental 42-point effort, but it wasn't enough. Despite shooting 38/94 (40%) from the field and committing 22 turnovers, the Kiwis were ultimately overcome by Türkiye's resilience. Türkiye capitalized on 29 points from their bench and converted 22 of 27 free throws (81%), crucial factors in the hard-fought win.
This victory serves as a significant statement for Türkiye, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity on the world stage.