The Turkish Women's National Basketball Team defeated by Australia in second World Cup match

The Turkish Women's National Basketball Team was defeated 87-71 by Australia in their second match of the FIBA 2026 Women's Basketball World Cup Group C. Following the match played at the Berlin Arena, the crescent-and-star team suffered their second loss in the group, while Australia secured their second victory.

Australia, starting the match effectively in the paint, went on an 8-0 run in the opening minutes. Recovering with points from the free-throw line, Turkey briefly took the lead in the first quarter with a basket by Elif Bayram. However, Australia responded with a 7-0 run in the remainder of the period to finish the first quarter with a 21-15 lead.

Maintaining control of the game in the second quarter, Australia extended the lead to double digits. The national team attempted to find a rhythm with perimeter shots but struggled to stop their opponent's dominance in the paint, heading into the locker room trailing 40-30.

Turkey began the second half with more determination, narrowing the gap to 6 points with successful shots from behind the three-point line. Nevertheless, Australia maintained its lead during a period of back-and-forth scoring, closing the third quarter ahead 67-55. Controlling the margin in the final quarter, Australia left the court with an 87-71 victory.

For the crescent-and-star team, Sevgi Uzun was the top scorer with 24 points. Gökşen Fitik scored 11, Burke 10, and Elif Bayram 8 points. For Australia, Magbegor stood out with 21 points, while Talbot contributed 17 points.

The match was also attended from the stands by Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Safa Koçoğlu Gürsoy, Turkish Basketball Federation President Hidayet Türkoğlu, and members of the TBF board of directors.

News Source: 12punto