Ataman roasts FIBA referees: 'It's like opponents are playing American football' / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman didn't like the officiating in Turkey's loss to Italy for the 2025 EuroBasket Qualifiers. He also commented on Tarik Biberovic's debut.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Turkey got off on the wrong foot in the 2025 EuroBasket Qualifiers, as the squad coached by Ergin Ataman lost to Italy 87-80 for Group B.

Tarik Biberovic, who played his first match with the national team jersey, stayed on the court for 34:46 minutes and finished the match with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The forward of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul was born in Bosnia, but has also received the Turkish citizenship.

"As a Turkish player, he deserves to play," Ataman commented.

"He played an excellent match, he is a very competitive and quality player. He is also friendly within the team."

Melih Mahmutoglu added 14 points, Kenan Sipahi had 11 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists, while Sertac Sanli posted 10 points and 7 rebounds for the losing side.

However, Ataman expressed his frustration over the way game officials chose to officiate the contest. The Turkish tactician thinks Italy got away with a lot of contact.

"I warned the referees during the match. In FIBA game, whenever you play away, it's like the opponent team is playing American football. We were facing a very tough defense. We tried to respond to their toughness, but we couldn't do it," he lamented.

"Despite everything, losing by seven points is an advantage for the match in Istanbul in terms of being first in the group," Ataman continued.

Turkey will face Iceland in the second match of the qualifiers on Sunday, February 25 at 15:00 CET at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall.

"We need to leave this game and beat Iceland. Could we win? It was difficult because we always came from behind in the second half, and ultimately we lost. Maybe we lost control of the match by making too many turnovers while resting some players. In my opinion, the final score gives us an advantage for the second game," Ataman argued.

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