Besiktas – Petkim Spor
Türkiye - Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi, Round 8
18/11/2023 - 16:00 CET
Besiktas has started the season on a high note, boasting a 5-2 record in both the Turkish Super League and the EuroCup. Under the leadership of head coach Dusan Alimpijevic, who led Bursaspor to the EuroCup finals two seasons ago, Besiktas aims to replicate that success. In the Turkish Super League, Besiktas allows opponents an average of only 69 points, making their defense statistically the best. On the offensive end, they always look for a player in the best position, with Jonah Mathews, a former Asvel player, currently standing out as a leader. Angel Delgado has yet to dominate as he did in Pinar Karsiyaka, indicating room for improvement in this team.
Petkim Spor also holds an impressive 5-2 record in the Turkish Super League, exceeding expectations given their less ambitious goals compared to Besiktas. In the last round, they convincingly defeated Manisa by 94:74, with their most significant victory so far being against Galatasaray (76:74) a month ago. Petkim Spor heavily relies on three-point shooting, with Khyri Thomas and David Efianayi capable of hitting at high percentages. Kristers Zoriks has had spectacular performances, notably against Tofas, where his three-pointers decided the game in overtime. Petkim Spor aims to play at a fast pace, shooting early in the offense, but facing the best defense in the league will be a unique challenge for this style of play.
Besiktas suffered their first home loss in eight games in all competitions with an 80:82 defeat to the London Lions on Wednesday. It was the first time they allowed an opponent to score more than 78 points in Istanbul. Petkim Spor also possesses exceptional offensive potential, though not as significant as the London Lions. It's worth noting that Petkim Spor has had a relatively easy schedule in the domestic league so far. They have played only three away games, losing two, against Merkezefendi and Bahcesehir. On their home court, they are much stronger, playing with greater confidence, aided by the support of the crowd, which they won't have in this particular matchup.