Turkey overcomes resilient Georgia to open the Acropolis tournament / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Argiris Makris/Hellenic Basketball Credit Argiris Makris/Hellenic Basketball

A dynamic third quarter by Cedi Osman powered Turkey past resilient Georgia in the first game of the Acropolis tournament 101-88 (18-24, 30-22, 27-20, 26-22).

Georgia started the game better, and after Giorgi Shermadini's converted and-one already led by 9 points (14-5). Although Turkey narrowed the deficit a bit, the first 10 minutes belonged to the more energetic Georgia.

With half of the second quarter left, 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 both national squads went into their lockers separated by four - 48-44.

Although Georgia was 15-for-17 on two-pointers in the first half, the third quarter belonged to Cedi Osman. The Cleveland Cavaliers forward scored the first 10 Turkey points in the quarter and finished the period with 15 points overall, solidifying the lead.

Although Georgia tried to come back and even managed to narrow Turkey's lead to only 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 chipped in with 17 points and 3 rebounds as well.

Tornike Shengelia was the top scorer on the Georgia team with 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting, 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).

Cedi Osman's performance in the 3rd quarter:

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