Galatasaray Ekmas defeats Benfica by a wide margin

The Galatasaray Ekmas Men's Basketball Team defeated Portugal's Benfica 98-78 in the 3rd match of the Champions League Group G.

While Galatasaray Ekmas secured their first victory in the group, Benfica suffered their second defeat.

Benfica, which was effective under the basket against a slow-starting Galatasaray Ekmas, finished the first period with a 20-11 lead.

Starting the second period well, Galatasaray Ekmas took a 26-25 lead in the 14th minute with baskets from Halilovic, İsmet Akpınar, and Sadık Emir Kabaca, and finished the first half ahead 42-39.

Carrying their effective performance into the second half, Galatasaray Ekmas extended the lead to 11 points (54-43) in the 25th minute with baskets from Sadık Emir Kabaca and İsmet Akpınar. The yellow-red team entered the final quarter leading 69-58.

Continuing their superior performance in the final period, Galatasaray Ekmas left the court with a 98-78 victory.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray fans watching the match showed their support for Palestine by chanting, "Down with Israel, freedom for Palestine."

Arena: Sinan Erdem

Referees: Ademir Zurapovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Fernando Calatrava (Spain), Marek Kukelcik (Slovakia)

Galatasaray Ekmas: De Bost 10, Radebaugh 10, Muhaymin Mustafa, Martin 15, Sadık Emir Kabaca 20, Göksenin Köksal 5, İsmet Akpınar 22, Halilovic 6, Yeboah 8, Buğrahan Tuncer 2

Benfica: Douglas 12, Drechsel 7, Gomes 8, Almeida 16, Carter 2, Barbosa 3, Relvao 4, Ben Romdhane 6, Broussard 11, Jose Silva 9

1st Period: 11-20

Half-time: 42-39

3rd Period: 69-58

Fouled out: 30.40 Carter (Benfica)