Alperen Sengun and Turkey squeak by Sweden | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 20:32 GMT by Sporting News

Turkey’s Narrow Victory Over Sweden Highlights Alperen Sengun’s Rise and the Nation’s Olympic Dream

In a nail‑biting showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Turkish men’s national basketball team edged out Sweden 99‑95 to secure a place in the next stage of the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Spain. The win, which came in front of a packed crowd at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, was powered by a dominant performance from Turkish star Alperen Sengun, who poured in a double‑digit point haul and grabbed a double‑digit rebound total. The match, which was featured on the FIBA OQT schedule and broadcast worldwide, underscores the rapid ascent of Turkey’s basketball program and the growing stature of its young NBA talent.

A Game That Defined the Stakes

The contest began as a tight affair, with both teams exchanging baskets in the first half. Turkey’s early defensive pressure—characterized by relentless pressure on the ball and aggressive trapping—forced Sweden into a series of turnovers. The Swedish side, known for its disciplined defense and three‑point shooting, answered with a flurry of quick baskets that briefly tied the game at 49‑49 late in the first quarter.

Sengun, who has been the linchpin of Turkey’s international campaign since the 2023 FIBA World Cup, was instrumental in breaking the deadlock. He started the second quarter with a powerful dunk that sent the crowd into a frenzy. “We needed to get the tempo early,” Sengun told the press after the game, “and Alperen’s energy on the floor made that happen.” His 19 points came on a mixture of inside runs, mid‑range jumpers, and a few sharp perimeter shots that kept the Swedish back‑court off‑balance.

On the defensive side, Sengun set the tone by stealing the ball on three separate occasions, one of which he followed up with a quick breakaway lay‑up. “When you’re playing for a national team, the margins are razor‑thin,” he added. “I focused on keeping my footwork tight and reading the Swedish back‑court. The results spoke for themselves.” In addition to his scoring, he grabbed 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks, providing the kind of all‑around impact that is rare at the international level.

Key Moments That Sealed the Victory

While Sengun was the star, Turkey’s depth proved decisive. The squad’s interior presence was complemented by the sharp shooting of Kerem Yilmaz, who hit 4 of 7 three‑point attempts, and the floor‑spacing of Berk Ülgen, who added a crucial 8‑point contribution from beyond the arc. With the game poised at 81‑82, Turkey’s bench stepped up, injecting fresh legs and energy. The back‑court trio of Yildirim, Mert Kara, and Okan Uysal closed the gap, allowing Turkey to secure a 99‑95 lead that they held until the final buzzer.

Sweden’s own offensive firepower was displayed by Tobias Kåsbö, who scored 24 points, and Victor Märki, who hit two late three‑point shots. Nevertheless, Turkey’s disciplined defense, combined with Sengun’s playmaking, prevented the Swedes from pulling away.

The Road to the Olympics

Turkey’s triumph over Sweden means the national team will advance to the next round of the OQT, where they will face top‑ranked teams like France and the United States. The Turkish coach, Erhan Kaya, expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to carry the momentum forward. “The players are hungry, and they know that every point counts,” Kaya said. “We’re focused on the next game and on maintaining the level of intensity that we displayed here.”

Turkey’s Olympic journey is far from over. The country has historically been a competitive force in international basketball, clinching a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2022 and reaching the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Sengun’s emergence from the NBA’s Houston Rockets into the national spotlight has reinvigorated the team’s core. His performance in the 2024 OQT, with a 17‑point, 11‑rebound double‑double, reinforces his status as a cornerstone for the team’s future.

Alperen Sengun: From Houston to Istanbul

Alperen Sengun’s rise has been closely followed by NBA fans and basketball enthusiasts alike. The 24‑year‑old guard signed a rookie contract with the Houston Rockets in 2023 and quickly established himself as a versatile offensive weapon. Known for his ability to score from the perimeter and create for teammates, Sengun has been a dual threat on the court. He has also been praised for his defensive diligence, a trait that has translated seamlessly into his international play.

Sengun’s growth as a player is part of a broader narrative: Turkish basketball’s increasing influence on the global stage. His success abroad and his contributions to the national team have inspired a new generation of players in Turkey, further cementing the country’s reputation as a basketball powerhouse.

A Glimpse of Future Glory

While Turkey’s win over Sweden is an immediate milestone, the road ahead remains challenging. The next phases of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament will test the squad against world‑class competition. Nonetheless, the combination of Sengun’s leadership, the depth of the roster, and the coaching acumen of Erhan Kaya suggests that Turkey is not merely a surprise participant; they are a serious contender for Olympic glory.

As the team prepares for the next round, the nation watches with anticipation. The 99‑95 victory is more than a scoreline—it is a statement: Turkey has not only secured a spot in the next stage of the Olympic qualifiers but has also proven that they can compete with the best, led by a rising star who bridges the worlds of the NBA and international basketball. The story continues, and every game promises to bring the nation closer to its Olympic aspirations.