Fenerbahçe wins all-Turkish derby in Euroleague Top 16

ISTANBUL

Fenerbahçe will face a severe test on Feb. 21 when they host 6-1 group leaders Barcelona Regal. DHA photo

The Istanbul derby moved to the Euroleague Top 16 as playoff long-shots Fenerbahçe Ulker edged archrivals Beşiktaş 78-72 at home despite trailing for most of the contest. 

The Yellow Canaries gave themselves a glimmer of hope at making the playoffs, moving up to a record of 2-5. The loss consigned Beşiktaş to even more misery in Group F, as the Black Eagles have now lost all seven matches in the round. The top four teams in each group advance to the playoffs. Russia’s BC Khimki currently occupies the final playoff spot at 4-3 with half the matches played. 

The visitors wasted a good chance to win after pulling away from their Istanbul rivals in the second quarter, outscoring their opponents 27-13 to build a 42-32 lead at half.  

However, Fenerbahçe Ulker began chipping away at their rivals’ in the third quarter before carrying the domination into the fourth quarter thanks to an impressive display from Croatian guard Bojan Bogdanovic, who led his team with 25 points. 

Beşiktaş maintained its lead until three minutes left in the fourth, when Bogdanovic popped up to make it 71-70 and clinch a famous comeback for the Canaries.

In addition to the Croatian, Australian center David Andersen played a good third quarter, putting up 13 points and seven rebounds for Fenerbahçe. 
 
Another Croatian, forward Damir Markota, carried Beşiktaş with 15 points and five rebounds. American point guard Curtis Jerrels added 14 points for the visitors. 
 
Having lost all their seven matches, Beşiktaş will now travel to Russia and play BC Khimki on Feb. 22, while Fenerbahçe will face a severe test on Feb. 21 when they host 6-1 group leaders Barcelona Regal.