Galatasaray beat Strasbourg 83-77 in Istanbul to claim its first Basketball Champions League group victory. The hosts led by nine at half-time, then resisted a French comeback to within one point in the final quarter. Alen Smailagić helped protect the advantage after Galatasaray’s opening loss in Zagreb. Strasbourg arrived after a big win over Legia Warsaw.
Galatasaray defeated Strasbourg 83-77 in Istanbul in its second Basketball Champions League group match. After an opening defeat in Zagreb, the home side earned its first group victory. Strasbourg repeatedly narrowed the gap, but Galatasaray kept the lead through the closing quarter and finished six points ahead.[1], [2]
KJ Simpson’s outside shooting moved Galatasaray from 14-14 to 17-14 in the opening quarter, which ended 21-16. A 10-0 run in the second period opened a 37-27 lead. Justin McKoy and Maxence Lemoine answered from outside for Strasbourg before half-time, when the home side led 42-33. Jaylen Hands and Neftali Difuidi subsequently helped cut the deficit to 50-47 in the third quarter.[1]
Galatasaray entered the final quarter 62-56 ahead. Lemoine brought Strasbourg within 62-60, and the visitors later closed to 71-70. Alen Smailagić then made an outside shot and scored after an offensive rebound to stretch the lead to 78-70. Lemoine replied with a basket and free throw for 78-74, before Galatasaray reached 81-74. Strasbourg had arrived after beating Legia Warsaw 100-62 in its group opener.[1]
