Near East University is closer to the Final….Çukurova Basketball: 64 – Near East University: 76


The third leg of the semi-finals of Turkish Women’s Basketball Super League was the scene of a breathtaking game between Çukurağa Basketball and Near East University. The game lived up the expectations when two teams clashed at Mersin Edip Buran Sport Saloon on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Exhibiting a stunning performance, Near East University defeated their opponent 64-76 and achieved a 2-1 lead in the series. The fourt leg of the play-offs semi-finals will be played at Mersin Edip Buran Sport Saloon at 19:00 on Friday, May 11, 2018. The team with 3 wins will qualify for the final.

Near East University Sports Club released that Near East University Basketball Team faced Çukurova Basketball at Mersin Edip Buran Sports Saloon for the third leg of the semi-finals of Turkish Women’s Basketball Super League. Near East University Women’s Basketball Team started the game with Bahar Çağlar, Quanitra Hollingsworth, Kayla McBride, Sandrine Gruda and Courtney Vandersloot. The periods ended 9-16, 28-42, 49-57 and 64-76.

Under the helm of Coach Zafer Kalaycıoğlu, the versatile players of Near East University exhibited stunning performance with ‘team first’ mentality and propelled their team to a 64-76 win versus Çukurova Basketball. Courtney Vandersloot with 18 points and 10 rebounds performed a double-double while Kayla McBride and Sandrine Gruda collectively weighted in with 28 points. Quanitra Hollingsworth, Jantel Lavender and Olcay Çakır Turgut collectively shot more than 60 percent from the floor against Çukurova and combined 31 points and 20 boards. With 20 points, Diamond De Shields was the top scorer player of the game.

Starting the game with high tempo and tough zone defense, both teams tried to dominate the game. The first quarter was the scene of toe to toe fights and many turnovers. Due to tough defense, both teams experienced difficulties in driving the ball to basket. The first quarter ended in 9-16 Near East University’s lead.


During the second quarter, Near East University’s versatile players weighted in with effective attacs and offense rebounds and powered their team to two-digit lead towards the last three minutes of the first half (23-35). Near East University completed the first half by a net score 28-42.

Without resting on the score advantage, Near East University started the third quarter with a dazzling performance. This quarter was the scene of hard-foughts and tough zone defenses. The third quarter was perfect for Near East University as they clung on to a 49-57 lead before the final quarter.

The efforts of Çukurova Basketball players in the final quarter were not sufficient to make up any of the massive deficit in their game against Near East University who had already achieved two-digit lead towards the last 3 minutes of the final quarter (57-73). Near East University completed the game victoriously and defeated their opponent by a resounding win 64-76.

Standouts:
Çukurova Basketball: Diamond Shields 20 points, 8 rebounds, Alina Iagupova 12 points, 5 assists, Erlana Larkins 11 points, 9 ri-ebaunds, Emel Gürel 5 points.

Near East University: Quanitra Hollingsworth 18 points, 10 rebounds, Kayla McBride 15 points, 4 rebounds, Sandrine Gruda: 13 points, 4 rebounds, Jantel Lavender 14 points, 4 rebounds, Courtney Vandersloot 5 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, Olcay Çakır Turgut 12 points, 7 assists.