Fenerbahçe Tarfin secured their first victory of the season with an 85-84 win over Biotekno Körfez Basket in the second week of the Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi. The result leaves Biotekno Körfez Basket with their first defeat of the league.
Playing at the Ülker Sports and Event Hall, Fenerbahçe Tarfin relied on Talen Horton-Tucker, who led the team with 22 points, and Johnny Juzang, who contributed 21 points, including three successful three-point attempts. Onuralp Bitim added 13 points to the effort. The game was officiated by referees Yener Yılmaz, Nazlı Çisil Güngör, and Berk Kurtulmuş.
Fenerbahçe Tarfin Builds Early Lead Before Halftime Response
Fenerbahçe Tarfin established an early lead, ending the first quarter 25-18. They used Horton-Tucker in the paint and Bitim with outside shots to gain the advantage. They extended the gap to 33-23 in the second period following a three-pointer by Horton-Tucker in the 13th minute. However, Biotekno Körfez Basket responded with a 7-0 run led by Boo Buie and Jonathan Davis, narrowing the score to 45-44 by halftime. Buie’s free throw with 34 seconds left in the second quarter sparked the run, and no further points were scored before the break.
The home team regained control in the third quarter, increasing the lead to 68-55 behind a free throw from Clyburn. Both teams increased their defensive aggression during this period, leading to frequent trips to the free-throw line. Clyburn’s shot came with 45 seconds remaining in the quarter.
In the final period, Biotekno Körfez Basket intensified their attack. Matt Mitchell led an 8-0 run in the 37th minute to bring the score to 78-76. With 40 seconds remaining, Jonathan Davis hit a three-pointer to bring the visitors within one point at 85-84.
The game concluded after a failed shot by Forrest with 14 seconds left and a missed layup attempt by Barna with 11 seconds remaining on the clock.
Shane Larkin Makes Official Debut for Fenerbahçe Tarfin
The match marked the official debut for Shane Larkin in a Fenerbahçe Tarfin jersey. Larkin, who previously played for Anadolu Efes from 2018 to 2026, joined the team at the start of the season and finished the game with 3 points.
For Biotekno Körfez Basket, Filip Barna was the top scorer with 18 points, followed by Matt Mitchell with 15, and Boo Buie and Jonathan Davis with 14 points each. Other contributors for the visitors included Reese with 9 and Cluff with 8. Fenerbahçe Tarfin’s scoring was rounded out by Forrest and Melli with 7 points each, Sargiunas with 4, and Sertaç Şanlı, Clyburn, and Larkin with 3 points each, while Silva added 2.
Upcoming Schedule
Following this result, Fenerbahçe Tarfin is scheduled to play an away game against Glint Çayırova Belediyespor. Biotekno Körfez Basket will travel to face Aliağa Petkim.
Biotekno Körfez Basket Objectives
Head coach Serhan Kavut stated that the team aims to finish in a position to participate in European cups. He noted that the squad consists of seven foreign players and expressed a desire to add to the Turkish player rotation if possible. Kavut mentioned that new transfer Emre Ekşioğlu ended his season due to an injury during practice.
Kavut described the league as one of the strongest in Europe with high-budget teams and quality coaches. He said, Our main goal is to play well especially at home and win our matches
. Regarding the team’s style, he explained that he wants a team that moves the ball quickly, stating that attacking within 4 to 8 seconds would be an advantage. He added that both his American and Turkish players are a group capable of playing well in the open court.