Beşiktaş aims to close playoff series

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Beşiktaş Milangaz won the first game of the best-of-three series against rival Fenerbahçe Ülker in dramatic fashion. AA photo

Beşiktaş Milangaz aims to close its playoff series against archrival Fenerbahçe Ülker in the Turkish Basketball League tonight.

The Black Eagles visit Fenerbahçe Ülker in Game Two of the two teams’ quarterfinal playoff series, and have the chance to close the best-of-three series with a win.

Beşiktaş Milangaz survived a dramatic battle and beat Fenerbahçe Ülker 96-94 in overtime in the series opener on May 6.

Forwards David Hawkins and Pops Mensah-Bonsu each scored 24 points to lead Beşiktaş, but point guard Carlos Arroyo was the hero of the day after sinking a crucial basket with just one second left in the overtime.

“It was a miraculous victory by the team,” coach Ergin Ataman said. “The players did not give up the fight until the very end. The fans have to be proud of that team.”

A win will put Beşiktaş Milangaz through to the semifinals, while defending champion Fenerbahçe Ülker is not likely to go out without a fight.

Fenerbahçe Ülker will play in front of its home fans at the Ülker Arena and will try to force the series to the third match.

The game starts at 8:30 p.m.

Anadolu Efes will also try to close the series with a win tonight, three days after beating Pınar Karşıyaka 98-79 in the opening game of the series.

“We have made some mistakes so we need to concentrate better for the second match,” Efes’ Greek coach Illias Zouros said after the game.

The game at the Karşıyaka Sports Hall in İzmir starts at 6:30 p.m.