Mathews’ buzzer forces overtime but Bahcesehir edge Besiktas 98-95 in semifinal thriller
Bahcesehir eked out a 98-95 overtime victory over Besiktas in Game 3 of the Turkish Super League semifinals on their home court, taking a 2–1 lead in the series and moving one step closer to the final.
How the game unfolded
Bahcesehir jumped out strong early, building a double-digit advantage in the opening minutes thanks to aggressive play from Malachi Flynn and Hunter Hale. Besiktas fought back behind Conor Morgan, who kept his team within striking distance and limited the deficit to seven after the first quarter.
The momentum shifted again in the second quarter as Besiktas flipped the script. With tight defense and more efficient offense, they erased the early hole and went into halftime leading 46-40. Matt Thomas and Berk Ugurlu played key roles in that run, while Bahcesehir struggled to match the visiting side’s intensity.
Besiktas opened the second half with another double-digit lead, but Bahcesehir chipped away steadily. Flynn, Matt Mitchell and Trevion Williams helped cut the margin, and the hosts carried a 63-58 lead into the fourth quarter.
The final period was tense. Berk Ugurlu kept Besiktas in the fight with consistent scoring, and Flynn reemerged for Bahcesehir after a quiet spell. Late in regulation neither team could score for nearly two minutes; Jonah Mathews missed a three that would have tied it and Bahcesehir turned the ball over. With nine seconds left, Mathews redeemed himself with a buzzer-beating shot to force overtime at 78-78.
Overtime started with Mathews hitting a mid-range shot, but Bahcesehir responded when Hale drew a foul on a three-point try and converted all three free throws. The teams traded baskets down the stretch until Mitchell closed things out for the hosts with a strong finish and clutch free throws.
Standouts and what’s next
Malachi Flynn led the winners with 27 points, while Hunter Hale added 19. For Besiktas, Jonah Mathews and Brynton Lemar each scored 18. Trevion Williams and Matt Mitchell also made important contributions for Bahcesehir in the fourth quarter and overtime.
With the series now 2-1 in Bahcesehir’s favor, Game 4 is set for Monday at the same venue, where the home side will have a chance to clinch a spot in the final.
