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Turkish women’s basketball team qualifies for EuroBasket 2025 with unbeaten record

The Turkish women’s basketball team celebrates their victory over Slovakia, securing their EuroBasket 2025 spot The Turkish women’s basketball team celebrates their victory over Slovakia, securing their EuroBasket 2025 spot, Ljubljana, November 10, 2024. (Photo via Turkish Basketball Federation)
By Selin Hacialioglu
Nov 11, 2024 11:38 AM

The Turkish women’s basketball team has officially qualified for the FIBA EuroBasket 2025, earning a decisive 65-50 victory over Slovakia on Nov. 10 in Bratislava’s GOPASS Arena.

Türkiye’s win, achieved in their fourth Group F match, secured their place at the European championship as they completed the group stage undefeated.

The Turkish women’s basketball team celebrates their victory over Slovakia, securing their EuroBasket 2025 spot
The Turkish women’s basketball team gathers for a team photo before their EuroBasket qualifying match against Slovakia at Arena Stožice, Ljubljana, November 10, 2024. (Photo via Turkish Basketball Federation)

Türkiye opens with a strong start against Slovakia, establishing control early in the game

The Turkish women’s basketball team began the game with a lineup featuring Olcay Cakir Turgut, Sevgi Uzun, Sinem Atas, Tilbe Senyurek and Teaira McCowan and quickly asserted dominance on the court.

The team built a solid defense that held Slovakia to just nine points in the first quarter while scoring 19 points themselves.

Early in the game, the Turkish women’s basketball team’s defense kept Slovakia on the back foot, with McCowan and Senyurek consistently breaking through to score and secure rebounds.

The Turkish women’s basketball team celebrates their victory over Slovakia, securing their EuroBasket 2025 spot
Teaira McCowan of the Turkish women’s basketball team battles against Alica Moravcikova during Türkiye’s EuroBasket qualifier match in Ljubljana, November 10, 2024. (Photo via Turkish Basketball Federation)

Head coach Ceyhun Yildizoglu noted the team’s strong preparation and team cohesion, saying, “We came here with a clear plan, and the players executed it with focus and determination.”

By halftime, Türkiye was well ahead, leading 32-18 as McCowan controlled the court with her scoring and defensive play.

The Turkish women’s basketball team celebrates their victory over Slovakia, securing their EuroBasket 2025 spot
Olcay Cakir Turgut orchestrates the Turkish women’s basketball team’s offense during the EuroBasket qualifier against Slovakia in Ljubljana, on November 10, 2024. (Photo via Turkish Basketball Federation)

Slovakia attempts comeback but Türkiye maintains lead

In the third quarter, Slovakia made a brief attempt to close the gap, bringing Türkiye’s lead down to eight points. Michaela Mikulasikova scored for Slovakia to make it 36-28, but Türkiye quickly responded.

McCowan continued her solid performance in the paint, preventing Slovakia from gaining further ground. Türkiye closed the quarter with a comfortable 51-38 lead, keeping the pressure on their opponents.

The national team kept its focus on the face of Slovakia’s increased defense in the last minutes. Despite the home crowd’s encouragement for Slovakia, Türkiye did not let the lead slip. Their consistent performance brought them to a strong finish at 65-50.

QuarterScore (Türkiye – Slovakia)
1st Quarter19 – 9
2nd Quarter (Halftime)32 – 18
3rd Quarter51 – 38
Final Score65 – 50
The Turkish women’s basketball team celebrates their victory over Slovakia, securing their EuroBasket 2025 spot
Alperi Onar drives past a Slovakian defender during the Turkish women’s basketball team’s EuroBasket qualifying win in Ljubljana, November 10, 2024. (Photo via Turkish Basketball Federation)

McCowan, Onar lead Turkish basketball match with outstanding performances

Teaira McCowan led Türkiye’s scoreline to 24 points and 13 rebounds, dominating both offensively and defensively. Alperi Onar added 12 points and three assists, contributing to the team’s steady play throughout the game.

Sevgi Uzun rounded out the leaders with five points, five assists, and three rebounds, showing skill on both sides of the court. Slovakia’s top scorer, Miroslava Mistinova, recorded 11 points.

Turkish women’s basketball team members’ performance

PlayerPointsReboundsAssistsMinutes Played
Teaira McCowan241329:34
Alperi Onar12330:46
Olcay Cakir Turgut8218:13
Tilbe Senyurek81232:14
Sinem Atas62117:33
Sevgi Uzun53524:38
Meltem Yildizhan2616:08
Elif Bayram515:12
Ayse Cora106:19
Derin Erdogan02:52
Goksen Fitik03:32
Zeynep Gul03:00

Following their undefeated run in the group stage, Türkiye now heads confidently into EuroBasket 2025. With four consecutive wins, they have secured first place in Group F, ensuring a spot in the prestigious tournament.

Last Updated:  Nov 11, 2024 11:38 AM