Turkey to Challenge Serbia for Group Lead in EuroBasket Competition
In a thrilling match on September 1, Alperen Sengun, the centre for the Houston Rockets, led Turkey to an impressive 84-64 victory over Estonia. Sengun finished the game with an impressive stat line of 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting an impressive 61.5 percent from the field.
This win marked Turkey's third consecutive victory in EuroBasket 2025, with both Türkiye and Serbia already securing spots in the competition's final 16 teams. The result of this match will significantly impact the seeding in the subsequent knockout rounds.
Sengun's stellar performance has not gone unnoticed. Vukcevic, a basketball analyst, has hailed the young player as a significant threat for Serbia. "Sengun plays outside, inside, can pop, and pass the ball," Vukcevic noted. "He's having an amazing tournament."
The upcoming match between Türkiye and Serbia on September 3 will determine the winner of EuroBasket Group A. Sengun's teammate, Ercan Osmani, chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds in Turkey's win over Estonia, while Adem Bona added 12 points, making 6-of-7 shots.
However, Sengun's impact on the game will not be underestimated by the Serbian team. Coach Svetislav Pesic, who has a contract until September 30, 2025, and is currently still supported by the Serbian Basketball Federation despite speculation about his departure, has emphasised the need to scout Sengun carefully and limit him.
The Turkish coach, Ergin Ataman, believes both teams are on a high level. Regarding his strategy against Serbian star Nikola Jokic, Ataman stated that he has no special plans, focusing instead on the team's overall gameplay.
As the two powerhouses prepare to face off, the anticipation is palpable. With Sengun's impressive form and the high stakes of the match, it promises to be an unforgettable encounter in the world of EuroBasket.
