Turkey's 'basket fairies' clinch bronze medal at Eurobasket

ISTANBUL

The third spot in France is the second straight big achievement of the 'basket fairies' after the silver obtained in Russia two years ago. AA photo

Turkish women's basketball confirmed expectations, as the national team won the bronze medal at the FIBA European Championships held in France, dominating Serbia 92-71 in yesterday's game.

In the final game the hosts, qualified after eliminating Turkey in the semis, where they took revenge for the defeat at the same stage of the 2011 tournament, were surprisingly edged out by Spain 70-69.

It is the second straight big achievement of the nicknamed "basket fairies" after the silver obtained in Russia two years ago. That medal had allowed the Turkish team to participate in the Olympic Games in London, a first in Turkey's sport history.

Star pivot Nevriye Yılmaz was unstoppable against Serbia with 19 points and 4 rebounds. The U.S. pivot naturalized Turkish citizen Kuanitra Holingsvorth also had a flawless game, signing a double-double with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Playmaker Birsel Vardarlı also showed her talents, netting 17 points and totaling five assists. Esmeral Tunçluer clinched 15 points.

Jelena Milovanovic's 23 points were not enough for Serbia, which failed to respond to Turkey's pace during the second half of the game, after going in the break one point ahead, 44-43.