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Besiktas GAIN cruises past Bahcesehir Koleji, punches ticket to EuroCup final

Trevion Williams of Bahcesehir Koleji goes up against Brynton Lemar (#11) of Besiktas GAIN during the second leg of the BKT EuroCup semifinal at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall, April 3, 2026, Istanbul, Türkiye. (AA Photo)
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Trevion Williams of Bahcesehir Koleji goes up against Brynton Lemar (#11) of Besiktas GAIN during the second leg of the BKT EuroCup semifinal at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall, April 3, 2026, Istanbul, Türkiye. (AA Photo)
April 04, 2026 12:12 PM GMT+03:00

Besiktas GAIN produced a poised and powerful performance under pressure to defeat Bahcesehir Koleji 82–72 in the BKT EuroCup semifinals, sealing a historic place in the final and moving within touching distance of their first European title.

Historic breakthrough marks club’s first EuroCup final appearance

Besiktas GAIN combined defensive resilience with timely scoring to take control when it mattered most, overcoming a determined Bahcesehir side and underlining their championship credentials.

The contest began with Bahcesehir Koleji establishing an early advantage through effective three-point shooting. Besiktas GAIN responded by exploiting defensive gaps to level the score, and the opening quarter concluded in a 22–22 tie.

Malachi Flynn (#22) of Bahcesehir Koleji battles Jonah Mathews (#0) of Besiktas GAIN during the BKT EuroCup semifinal second leg at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall in Istanbul, Türkiye, April 3, 2026. (AA Photo)
Malachi Flynn (#22) of Bahcesehir Koleji battles Jonah Mathews (#0) of Besiktas GAIN during the BKT EuroCup semifinal second leg at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall in Istanbul, Türkiye, April 3, 2026. (AA Photo)

The second quarter featured a closely contested exchange, with both sides trading baskets. Besiktas GAIN gained a slight edge through the efforts of Berk Ugurlu, though Bahcesehir Koleji briefly moved ahead in the closing moments. Despite this, Besiktas GAIN entered halftime with a narrow 37–36 lead.

In the third quarter, Besiktas GAIN assumed control of the game. Strong execution in the paint and efficient offensive transitions enabled the team to build a double-digit advantage, while Bahcesehir Koleji struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The period ended with Besiktas GAIN leading 63–56.

Late defensive stand and perimeter shooting prove decisive

Bahcesehir Koleji reduced the deficit to three points midway through the final quarter. However, Besiktas GAIN maintained composure, converting key perimeter shots and reinforcing its defensive intensity to preserve the lead and close out the game with a 10-point margin.

Following the match, head coach Dusan Alimpijevic described the result as a milestone for the club. He stated that he was “extremely happy” and emphasized that Besiktas GAIN had reached the EuroCup final for the first time in its history.

He also praised his players’ collective effort and belief, noting that the team would approach the final with the objective of winning the title.

Club executive Ozkan Arseven reiterated the organization’s ambitions, stating that the team had targeted the EuroCup championship since the start of the season. He added that winning the competition would secure qualification for the EuroLeague next season.

April 04, 2026 12:12 PM GMT+03:00
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