In the last game of TBBL normal season Galatasaray managed to register a 69-66 unexpected win against visiting Beşiktaş Cola Turca Women’s Basketball Team in a derby game played at Ahmet Cömert Sports Saloon.
Starting the game with Yasemin Horasan, Sheri Sam, Tuğba Palazoğlu, Stacey Lovelace and Esmeral Tunçluer, Black & Whites took control of the game thanks to an effective defense and accurate outside shots taken behind the arch. As an outcome of this sparkling performance the Black Eagle entered the final minute of the period leading 21-6 and completed the first quarter 23-11 in the front.The host team got its act together in the second period and scored 8 crucial points within the first two minutes. As a result of yellow and red team's tightened up defense which did not repeat the mistakes of the previous period Beşiktaş Cola Turca could only add two points to its tally during this dry spell. This improved play of home side which also took advantage of Black & Whites’ turnovers, reduced the gap between the teams to 6 points (27-21). Combining productive fast break points with Smith’s timely 3 point baskets, host Galatasaray was able to balance the game. Despite all these problems, Our Ladies held on to a 5 point lead at the end of the first half (37-32).
Galatasaray sustained its efficient performance in the third period as well. While the aggressive defensive play prevented Beşiktaş Cola Turka from scoring, it provided a lot of easy baskets for the home side especially during the first 6 minutes that tied the game (42-42). However, during closing stages of the period Black Eagle regained superiority in the game once again and proceeded to the final quarter with a leading score of 52-49. .
While starting the fourth period with a 3 point shot that tied the game, Black & Whites managed to post only 3 points during the first 4 minutes. Home team turned this situation to its favor and jumped in front for the first time in game thanks to baskets from Smith and Bengü duo. The solid one on one and zone defense of Galatasaray limited Beşiktaş Coal Turka’ scoring chances and created a virtual panic among our ladies who seemed to be losing their game discipline. During this time, yellow and red team slowly increased its advantage to 7 points (63-56) with consecutive points scored by Moore. Unable to find any baskets from its opponent's painted area, Beşiktaş decided to rely mainly on outside shots. This sudden change of tactic proved to be effective entering into final 2 minutes as 2 back to back 3 pointers by Tuğba reduced the gap to 2 points (67- 65). However this last minute effort by Black & Whites was too little and too late to change the score and Galatasaray won the derby game with score of 69-66.
