Derby moves to hardcourt as Galatasaray nets big win against Fenerbahçe

ISTANBUL

The Lions lead the league with a 23-3 record while Fenerbahçe Ülker dropped to 21-5. AA photo

Turkey’s biggest sporting derby between arch-foes Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe moved to the basketball court April 14, as both teams – first and second in the league just like their respective football sides – met for a crucial match ahead of the playoffs. The Lions earned their 13th straight victory with a dominant 66-53 win, never letting their visitors take the lead during the entire game.

The win was also psychologically significant for Galatasaray, as the Lions had lost their first league encounter against the Canaries, and have now gone 1-1 on the year against a potential playoff opponent. 

The hosts controlled the first quarter, putting themselves in front 15-12. Fenerbahçe could only tie the game 34-34 at the beginning of the third quarter, but Galatasaray then responded with a 12-0 run. The Lions never looked back again and cruised to the big derby victory. 
 
Senegalese star center Boniface Ndong had a big night for Galatasaray Medical Park with 14 points, while playmaker Ender Arslan led with 12 points and six assists. The Lions lead the league with a 23-3 record. 

Bo McCalebb’s 17 and David Andersen’s 11 points were not enough for Fenerbahçe Ülker who dropped to 21-5, with Anadolu Efes and Banvit Bandırma both threatening to grab second spot.