TBBL 17/2009 - Fenerbahce 76, Galatasaray 62

Galatasaray is definitely a good team - the problem is that Fenerbahce is a better one, the best team in Turkey. However, I don't think anyone expected the worst quarter that I've ever written about in international basketball - even at the mid-major level - would help Fenerbahce along to its inevitable 76-62 win.

The box score is here.

It was Galatasaray that got off to the great start, starting off 15-4 and coasting to a 23-15 lead over undefeated Fenerbahce. However, Galatasaray scored only two points in the second quarter. The translation of the game report doesn't say why Galatasaray was held just two second quarter points. (I'd love to read a play-by-play.) By the end of the first half, Fenerbahce led 31-25.

The second half wasn't better. In the third quarter, Fenerbahce extended the lead, advancing to a 20-point lead at the end of the quarter, 55-35. Over the middle two quarters, Fenerbahce scored 12 total points. Fenerbahce led by 22 at one point in the fourth quarter, and the game was over.

Penny Taylor scored 17 points, six points and three assists for Fenerbahce. Ebony Hoffman added 14 points and six rebounds, and Birsel Vardali also scored 14 points. Fenerbahce shot 62 percent over the team.

For Galatasaray, Sophia Young scored 22 points and five rebounds. Tamika Catchings was the only other Galatasaray player to break double digits with 13 points.

Yelena Leuchanka had an poor shooting game, particularly at the free throw line:

7 points
2-for-4 shooting
3-for-6 from the free throw line
6 rebounds