Türkiye first to book 2027 world cup ticket
The victory at Laugardalsholl Sports Center extended Türkiye’s winning streak to eight games and secured their place at the tournament with games still remaining in the European Qualifiers.
Türkiye dominated from the opening minutes, taking a 33-14 lead after the first quarter. Captain Cedi Osman and Malachi Flynn combined for 24 points during the opening period.
Onuralp Bitim added 15 points in the second quarter as Türkiye maintained control and entered halftime with a 60-37 advantage.
The visitors continued to pull away after the break, leading 80-56 heading into the fourth quarter before completing a 110-73 victory.
Türkiye remains unbeaten
Türkiye completed the first round of qualifying with a perfect 6-0 record before carrying that form into the second phase.
After winning their opening two games of the second round, Türkiye moved to 8-0 overall and became the only unbeaten team remaining in the European Qualifiers. Poland’s defeat in Group K left Türkiye as the sole undefeated side.
The qualification marks the sixth time Türkiye’s men’s national team will compete at the World Cup.
Türkiye will next travel to face Italy on Nov. 26 before hosting Iceland on Nov. 29.
Greece edge Spain in overtime thriller
Greece ended a three-game losing streak in dramatic fashion, defeating Spain 108-106 in overtime in Athens to claim their fourth victory of the World Cup qualifiers.
Nick Calathes produced the decisive defensive play on the final possession, preventing Spain’s Dario Brizuela from finding a winning shot and preserving the victory for the hosts.
Greece appeared to be in control after building a 12-point lead, 72-60, at the start of the fourth quarter. Spain, however, mounted a late comeback and forced overtime when Juancho Hernangomez hit a three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining in regulation to make it 86-86.
The Greeks held their composure in overtime. Vasileios Toliopoulos missed a free throw with 11 seconds left, giving Spain another opportunity, but the visitors could not take advantage.
Dorsey and Mitoglou lead Greece
Tyler Dorsey and Dinos Mitoglou led Greece with 29 points each, while Calathes contributed 13 points and eight assists.
For Spain, Joel Parra scored 18 points, Mario Saint-Supery added 16 and Aday Mara finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
The result moved Greece to 4-4 in the qualifiers, while Spain fell to 5-3.
