Too little, too late as Turkey finally registers first win at EuroBasket 2013 against Sweden

ISTANBUL

Ender Arslan of Turkey tries to score past Joakim Kjellbom of Sweden during their FIBA Eurobasket Group D qualification match Sweden vs Turkey in Koper, on Sept. 8. AFP photo

Turkey saved its blushes by avoiding a fourth consecutive loss at EuroBasket 2013 by defeating minnows Sweden 87-74, bringing its record to 1-3 ahead of a dead rubber against Russia.
 
Turkey defeated the northerners, who registered the biggest shock of the tournament on Sept. 7 by beating the previously fancied Russians, on the strength of 22 points from Ender Aslan and another 21 by Ersan İlyasova. Sweden, meanwhile, was led by Jeffery Taylor, who tallied 18 points.
 
Turkey will wrap up its disappointing campaign with a match against the Russians, who have surprisingly dropped all four of their matches so far, including an 86-83 decision earlier this evening against Finland. In a top-of-the-table clash earlier in the day, Italy defeated Greece 81-72.
 
Turkey has already fallen to Finland, Italy and Greece so far in the tournament, which is being played in Slovenia.

Heavyweights Italy and Greece, as well as surprise package Finland, will advance to the second round, while Turkey, Sweden and Russia will all proceed home after the final Sept. 9 fixtures.