Turkey NT head coach Ergin Ataman was devastated after he saw his team losing a 10-point lead as France NT beat the Turkish NT in the overtime.
“It’s the same feeling. I don’t want to make any comments about the game. Maybe it’s the worst emotional loss in my 26 years career. Congratulations to France,” Ataman said.
Turkey returned from a 15-deficit in the first quarter and took control of the game with a 19-0 run to gain the first lead in the game and head into the final 10 minutes leading by eight (57-49).
“Basketball is a strange game. Sometimes it brings great happiness, and sometimes we experience such a painful loss. This is the most painful and heaviest loss of my career. We were very close to giving this victory to the Turkish people and we are all disappointed”.
Cedi Osman and Turkey had two free throws and the possession but the failed to convert and committed a turnover before Gobert tied the game with a tip-in after Fournier’s missed shot. Turkey had one last attempt in the overtime to win the game but Korkmaz lost control of the ball and Tarpey stole it.
