Galatasaray wins Istanbul Derby over Fenerbahce

The Istanbul Derby between Galatasaray Liv Hospital and Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul was typically important as the outcome would decide if Fener would stay on top of the Turkish TBL or not. As it was, Galatasaray emerged victorious, but it was a very close game that ended 92-88 in favour of the hosts.

The victory was enough to send Anadolu Efes top after their win, leapfrogging Fenerbahce with a 16-5 record, tied in the table but with a superior head to head.

Galatasaray vs. Fenerbahce, 92-88
The game was extremely tight throughout, but the hosts edged the first the first quarter 16-14 to lead after ten minutes. In the second frame the teams traded buckets in a high scoring stanza, each set of players draining 25 points through the period. At halftime Galatasaray maintained its two point cushion at 41-39. After the long break, Gala continued the momentum as both teams continued to pepper the basket. A 27-25 run was enough to push the home club five point’s clear (68-63) heading into the final act. Fenerbahce won its first quarter of the game in the fourth, but it was by a single point and not enough to win the game.

Amazingly, only six players started for Galatasaray, making the win even more impressive. Zoran Erceg led the scoring with 26 points, and Sinan Guler followed with 25 points. Vladimir Vicov added 16 points in victory.

Andrew Goudelock kept Fener ticking with 19 points in the losing effort, while Nemanja Bjelica and Jan Vesely logged 14 points apiece.