The EBBL Cup served up a thriller on May 23, 2026, as Tekirdag Namik Kemal edged past Izmir BSB in a 109–105 overtime classic at a packed arena in Izmir. The away side’s relentless perimeter shooting and clutch free-throw shooting in the extra period proved decisive in a game that featured over 200 combined points and multiple lead changes.

Game Overview

From the opening tip, both teams displayed an up-tempo, high‑risk offensive approach. Izmir BSB leaned on their interior presence, while Tekirdag Namik Kemal countered with a barrage of three‑pointers. The first half ended with Izmir holding a narrow 52–50 advantage, but Tekirdag’s bench depth kept them within striking distance.

The third quarter saw the visitors seize momentum. A 12‑2 run early in the period gave Tekirdag a 68–60 lead, but Izmir responded with a 9‑0 spurt to retake the lead. The fourth quarter was a back‑and‑forth affair, with neither side able to build more than a five‑point cushion. With 12 seconds left in regulation, Izmir’s point guard converted a driving layup to tie the game at 95–95, forcing overtime.

Key Moments in Overtime

• Early OT surge: Tekirdag Namik Kemal opened the extra period with back‑to‑back three‑pointers from their shooting guard, quickly pushing ahead 101–97.
• Izmir’s fightback: Izmir BSB responded with a 6‑0 run, taking a 103–101 lead with 2:15 left.
• Clutch perimeter shooting: Tekirdag’s small forward hit a step‑back triple to reclaim the lead at 104–103, a shot that proved decisive.
• Free‑throw excellence: Down the stretch, Tekirdag converted 8 of 10 free throws in the final minute, while Izmir managed only 4 of 7, sealing the 109–105 win.

Standout Performers

Tekirdag Namik Kemal: The away team’s backcourt duo combined for 58 points. Their shooting guard finished with 31 points on 10‑of‑18 shooting, including 6 three‑pointers. The point guard added 27 points and 9 assists, controlling the tempo in critical moments. Four Tekirdag players scored in double figures, underscoring the team’s offensive balance.

Izmir BSB: Despite the loss, Izmir’s center dominated the paint with 28 points and 14 rebounds. The home team’s small forward contributed 24 points and 7 assists, but foul trouble limited his minutes in the fourth quarter and overtime. Izmir shot 52% from the field but allowed 15 three‑pointers to Tekirdag, a key discrepancy.

Turning Point and Tactical Story

The game turned on Tekirdag’s ability to spread the floor and force Izmir’s big men to guard on the perimeter. In overtime, Izmir’s defensive rotations broke down twice, leaving shooters open beyond the arc. Izmir also committed 18 turnovers, 7 more than Tekirdag, which led to 24 points for the visitors. The disparity in free‑throw shooting (Tekirdag 22‑of‑26, Izmir 18‑of‑28) also proved costly for the home side.

Impact on the EBBL Cup

The victory pushes Tekirdag Namik Kemal into a favorable position in the EBBL Cup knockout stage, while Izmir BSB must now rely on other results to keep their hopes alive. Both teams demonstrated they can compete at a high level, and this match will be remembered as one of the most entertaining contests of the tournament so far. With the cup race still wide open, Tekirdag’s resilience on the road sends a strong message to the remaining contenders.