EuroBasket: Şehmus 28+13+8, Jokic 22+9, Turkey edges Serbia to secure top spot in Group A

On September 4th Beijing time, during the last round of the EuroBasket group stage, Turkey narrowly beat Serbia 95-90, completing a 5-0 run to top Group A. Şehmus was 10-for-17 from the field, including 4-for-7 on three-pointers, tallying 28 points, 13 boards, and 8 assists, making decisive free throws and a key steal in the clutch. Jokic scored 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting with 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. The game was fiercely contested with 15 lead changes and 8 ties, ultimately resulting in a narrow victory for Turkey. In the round of 16, Turkey will face Sweden, while Serbia will meet Finland.

Statistics

Turkey: Şehmus 28 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists; Larkin 23 points, 9 assists; Osman 16 points; Osmanli 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals; Korkmaz 8 points; Sipah 5 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists

Serbia: Jokic 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals; Guduric 12 points; Petrušev 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists; Nikola Jovic 10 points; Stefan Jovic 10 points, 6 assists, 2 steals

Player of the Game

Şehmus delivered a well-rounded performance, making pivotal steals and free throws at critical moments, leading Turkey to victory over Jokic-led Serbia and securing the top spot in the group.

Match Recap

In the first quarter, Jovic scored on a layup, followed by Marinkovic hitting a three-pointer as Serbia opened with a 9-3 run. Osman responded with 5 straight points to narrow the gap. Jokic hit a mid-range jumper, then Şehmus made four consecutive shots as Turkey went on an 11-0 run to take an 8-point lead. Petrušev scored 5 in a row and Jokic hit another jumper as Serbia answered with a 7-0 run. After the first quarter, Turkey led Serbia 19-18.

In the second quarter, Larkin and Guduric exchanged three-pointers, with Jovic and Osman also scoring from outside. Larkin sank another three to give Turkey a 6-point lead, but Jovic and Avramovic responded, and Jokic scored a mid-range shot. Misic hit a three to put Serbia ahead. Korkmaz and Petrušev scored consecutively as the lead changed hands several times. At halftime, Serbia led Turkey 49-46.

After the break, Petrušev scored on a layup and Jovic hit a three-pointer again. Şehmus also scored from beyond the arc, and with Sipah hitting a three, the game was tied once more. Jokic made a three, Osman and Larkin scored from outside, and Şehmus added 5 straight points. Petrušev scored a mid-range jumper. Şehmus was called for a technical foul, and Marinkovic made the free throw. After three quarters, Turkey led Serbia 74-73.

In the final quarter, Larkin scored on a layup, Guduric completed a three-point play, and Jokic made a steal and dunk. Osmanli and Guduric exchanged three-pointers, and Jovic scored off a steal as Serbia led by 4. Şehmus scored on a put-back, Hazel hit a three, and Jokic made a put-back basket as Serbia still led by 1. In the crucial moments, Şehmus drew a foul on Jokic and made both free throws. With 20 seconds left, Şehmus made a key steal and shouted in excitement. Serbia resorted to fouling, but Larkin and Şehmus both made their free throws, and Turkey ultimately defeated Serbia.

Starting Lineups

Turkey: Şehmus, Larkin, Osman, Osmanli, Sipah

Serbia: Jokic, Petrušev, Jovic, Marinkovic, Avramovic