Kahramanmaras 64 – 74 Royal Hali Gaziantep | Turkish Basketball First League | May 3, 2026

Gaziantep Cruises Past Kahramanmaras on the Road

Royal Hali Gaziantep earned a convincing 74-64 victory over Kahramanmaras on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in a Turkish Basketball First League matchup. The visitors controlled the game from the opening tip, building a double-digit lead by halftime and never letting Kahramanmaras recover. Gaziantep's balanced scoring and stifling defense proved too much for the home side, who struggled to generate consistent offense throughout the contest.

Match Overview

The game started with Gaziantep quickly establishing a 10-point lead in the first quarter, thanks to efficient shooting and strong rebounding. Kahramanmaras attempted a comeback in the third quarter, closing the gap to 6 points, but Gaziantep responded with a 10-2 run to restore order. The hosts never got closer than 8 points in the final period, as Gaziantep managed the clock and hit key free throws to seal the win.

Key Performers

• Gaziantep's shooting guard led all scorers with 22 points, including 4 three-pointers, and added 5 assists.
• Kahramanmaras' center recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, but received little help from the perimeter.
• The visitors' bench outscored Kahramanmaras' reserves 28-12, highlighting the depth advantage.

Tactical Story

Gaziantep employed a disciplined man-to-man defense that forced Kahramanmaras into contested shots and 16 turnovers. Offensively, they moved the ball effectively, recording 18 assists and shooting 48% from the field. Kahramanmaras, in contrast, relied heavily on isolation plays and shot just 39% from the floor. The home team’s inability to hit outside shots—going 5-of-20 from beyond the arc—allowed Gaziantep to pack the paint and limit second-chance opportunities.

Impact on Standings

The win improves Gaziantep's record to 12-15, keeping them in contention for a playoff spot in the Turkish Basketball First League. Kahramanmaras falls to 9-18, now sitting in the bottom third of the table and facing an uphill battle to avoid relegation. The result also gives Gaziantep a season sweep over Kahramanmaras, a valuable tiebreaker in a competitive league.

Gaziantep will look to build on this momentum when they host a top-four team next weekend, while Kahramanmaras faces a must-win game against a fellow relegation-threatened opponent.