Galatasaray Ekmas in the Round of 16!

Galatasaray Ekmas advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Italian side Bertram Derthona 95-89 in the second game of their Basketball Champions League play-in series.

The yellow-reds started the match well, scoring through Sadık Emir Kabaca, McCormack, and Prepelic. Defending effectively, Galatasaray led 14-6 at the 5-minute mark. Maintaining their strong performance, the hosts finished the first quarter ahead 26-14.

With the support of their fans, Galatasaray kept the lead in double digits during a balanced second quarter. The period ended in a 20-20 tie, and the yellow-reds went into halftime leading 46-34.

Maintaining control of the game, Galatasaray Ekmas finished the third quarter with a 72-56 lead. Despite the Italian team's efforts to rally in the final quarter, the yellow-reds held their ground and won the match 95-89.

Having won the first game in Italy 71-70, the yellow-reds reached two wins in the series to secure their spot in the Round of 16.

Prepelic led the way for Galatasaray with 23 points and 12 assists. Among the starters, Sadık Emir reached 15 points and Walden 12, both hitting double digits. Coming off the bench, Bost contributed 14 points and Radebaugh added 13.

For the visitors, Ross's 21-point performance was not enough to prevent the defeat.

To compete in Group J

The yellow-reds will be in Group J for the Round of 16.

Galatasaray Ekmas will face French side JDA Bourgogne Dijon and German side Telekom Baskets Bonn in the group. Additionally, the winner of the play-in series between Darüşşafaka Lassa and Germany's MHP Riesen will also join Group J.

At the end of the six matches to be played, the top two teams will advance to the quarterfinals.

Arena: Sinan Erdem

Referees: Yohan Rosso (France), Fernando Calatrava (Spain), Carsten Straube (Germany)

Galatasaray Ekmas: Walden 12, Göksenin Köksal, Prepelic 23, McCormack 6, Sadık Emir Kabaca 15, Bost 14, Radebaugh 13, Halilovic 5, Yeboah 7

Bertram Derthona: Severini 8, Obasohan 12, Ross 21, Thomas 3, Weems 6, Baldasso 9, Radosevic 9, Candi 3, Noua, Strautins 13, Zerini 5, Errica

1st Quarter: 26-14

Halftime: 46-34

3rd Quarter: 72-56

Fouled out: 35.55 Halilovic (Galatasaray Ekmas), 39.21 Obasohan (Bertram Derthona)

News Source: 12punto