Besiktas overpower Galatasaray to take 1-0 lead in Turkish Super League playoffs
How the game unfolded
Besiktas blew the roof off early and never really looked back, cruising to a 108–83 win over Galatasaray in Game 1 of the quarterfinals. They came out hot from long range, hitting 5 of their first 8 triples and building an 11-point edge after the opening quarter. Galatasaray also hurt themselves early with multiple turnovers that handed Besiktas easy chances.
Galatasaray tried to push back in the second quarter — Errick McCollum found his scoring touch and the visitors cut into the lead — but Besiktas steadied things before halftime and went into the break up by about 15. The third quarter didn’t change much: Besiktas kept controlling the game and kept knocking down threes, stretching the margin to around 26 heading into the final period and putting the result beyond doubt.
Standouts and what’s next
The hosts shot the lights out from distance, finishing 18-of-34 from three-point range. Brynton Lemar topped the box score for Besiktas with 19 points while Jonah Mathews added 17 and was a constant threat. For Galatasaray, Errick McCollum led all scorers with 23, but it wasn’t enough. The win also marked Dusan Alimpijevic’s first league victory over Gianmarco Pozzecco.
Game 2 is scheduled for May 28 in Istanbul, where Galatasaray will try to even the series at home. Besiktas will look to keep their momentum and their sharp shooting going into that matchup.
