Galatasaray secures spot in FIBA Champions League Final Four

Having won the first leg of the quarterfinals 106-80 away from home, the yellow-red team has secured its place in the Final Four.

The yellow-red team established a 7-5 lead in the 2nd minute of the match, which began with baskets from both sides. ERA Nymburk went on an 8-0 run with points from Birts in transition and shots from behind the three-point line by Sehnal and Hruban, bringing the score to 7-13 in the 5th minute. While Galatasaray scored from the free-throw line, the visiting team continued to hit three-pointers. Catching up to a 22-22 tie at the end of the 9th minute, the yellow-reds finished the quarter with a 25-22 lead. For Galatasaray, Palmer stood out with 6 points, while Cummings and Buğrahan each contributed five.

Entering the second period with an 8-0 run, the Czech representative established a 30-25 lead in the 13th minute. The home team, which found its first basket of this quarter after 3 minutes and 42 seconds through Delgado, scored with Gray and Buğrahan to lead 35-32 in the 15th minute. Playing solid defense, Galatasaray built an 8-point lead (42-34) midway through the 17th minute. Maintaining its advantage for the remainder of the half, "Cimbom" entered the break leading 46-40.

Continuing its strong performance at the start of the second half, Galatasaray extended the lead to double digits (59-48) at the end of the 23rd minute. ERA Nymburk, finding success from behind the three-point line with Bohacik, Sehnal, and Brown, cut the deficit to 1 point late in the 27th minute: 62-61. Defending well in the remaining time and allowing no scoring opportunities for their opponent, Galatasaray finished the quarter ahead 68-61 with a 6-0 run.

PALMER WAS THE STAR OF THE MATCH

Starting the final quarter with baskets from Palmer, Galatasaray established a 12-point lead (78-66) in the 32nd minute. Although the yellow-red team struggled with productivity in the absence of Gray—who suffered an injury at the end of the first half and could not play for the final 1.5 quarters—they maintained their effective play and extended the lead to 18 points in the 39th minute: 88-70. Having a comfortable finish to the game, the yellow-red team left the court with a 90-74 victory.

Palmer, who finished with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, was the star of the match for Galatasaray. In the yellow-red squad, Cummings contributed 17 points and 5 assists, Buğrahan Tuncer added 14 points, and Delgado and Young each chipped in eight points and seven rebounds to the victory.

PALMER RECEIVED THE MVP AWARD

Galatasaray's American scoring guard James Palmer received the Most Valuable Player award for the Round of 16.

Before the match, the award was presented to Palmer by Can Natan, the yellow-red club's executive in charge of basketball.

Arena: Basketball Development Center

Referees: Antonio Conde (Spain), Yohan Rosso (France), Boris Krejic (Slovenia)

Galatasaray: Cummings 17, Blumbergs 6, Göksenin Köksal, Palmer 24, Delgado 8, Izundu 4, Buğrahan Tuncer 14, Young 8, Gray 9

ERA Nymburk: Brown 3, Birts 13, Bohacik 15, Bishop 8, Kriz 4, Sehnal 14, Shumate 5, Rylich 2, Hruban 10, Ceaser, Holt

1st Quarter: 25-22

Halftime: 46-40

3rd Quarter: 68-61

Fouled out: 38.11 Brown (ERA Nymburk)

News Source: 12punto