ISTANBUL (Türki̇ye) - Just one win away from FIBA EuroBasket 2025 berth now.
Türki̇ye defeated Hungary 92-66 at home, climbing to 2-1, and would book a trip to the Final Round if they complete the sweep in Hungary on Monday.
Turning point
Türki̇ye were a step or two ahead the entire time in front of their packed stands, but could not break away to a decisive lead until the mid point of the third quarter.
As Szilard Benke brought Hungary to within four to 45-41, Cedi Osman decided he had had enough of this.
The Turkish superstar had five quick points, backed by Furkan Haltali's four in a quick 9-1 run which saw even the Hungarian head coach Gasper Okorn nodding his head in approval, because it was a typical case of good defense by Hungary, better offense by Türki̇ye.
Just like that, it was a 12-point game, and Okorn's men could not bring it back to single digits the rest of the way.
Game hero
Cedi Osman watched as Sehmus Hazer had a monster first half with 16 points, and when he realized the Hungarian defense adjusted to Hazer, it was time to take over.
Osman scored 14 of his 21 points in the second half, enjoying the ovation from the fans as he left the game with four minutes to play.
He played 24 minutes, made 8-of-17 shots from the field, with 4 rebounds also to his name.
Stats don't lie
While 11 turnovers weren't exactly a horrible offensive day by Hungary, coach Ergin Ataman's men were lethal in taking advantage of them.
They created a 19-3 edge in points from turnovers, crucial to keep Hungary at bay any time they thought they could overtake their hosts.
Bottom line
Just one more win needed for Türki̇ye to get back to the continental competition, because they would be out of Hungary's lead at 3-1 with a tiebreaker in the remaining games.
Coach Ataman enjoyed Hazer's big day, too, as the point guard had a team-high 25 points, with 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals.
Zoltan Perl was the most productive Hungarian player with 16 points. His hometown of Szombathely is hosting the reverse fixture, and he'll have to go for 20+ if Hungary plan to win that one.
They said
FIBA