May 17, 2017
An exciting season in Turkey came down to one game on Wednesday and it was certainly worth watching, staying close throughout. Yakin Dogu University held the lead late at home, but sent Candace Parker to the line for two free throws that would have allowed Fenerbahce to escape. She missed both and an attempt to tip in a rebound did not come close, giving the upstarts another trophy after rapidly increasing their ambitions this season to compete with the best teams across Europe. The usual trio carried the hosts as Kayla McBride scored from the outside and Quanitra Hollingsworth patrolled the interior while Courtney Vandersloot directed the offense. Sandrine Gruda led the way for the visitors, who had finally found a settled lineup in crunch time. The result completed a big shakeup in the league after dominance from the more traditional Istanbul clubs. Yakin Dogu finished their season as Eurocup, Turkish Cup and Turkish League champions!
Yakin Dogu Universitesi vs. Fenerbahce 76-75 YDU McBride 21 Hollingsworth 20/10r Vandersloot 17/6r/14a Cakir 4 Leuchanka 2 FEN Gruda 21/9r Parker 18/12r Vardarli 15 Lavender 8/9r Canitez 7 Quigley 6
Yakin Dogu Universitesi wins series 3-2
Fans in Fenerbache are mean and don’t appreciate players from the USA. I don’t blame players like Diana Taurasi and Renee Montgomery for not playing in Turkey. Players are humans and no matter how good they are they have bad days too. Do not go on players instragram and disrespect them after they gave their all in a game. If I were Candace Parker I would never play for them again totally disrespectful fans.
Wow! I absolutely agree! I didn’t realize how awful some fans can be. It is sad!
Thanks for your awesome coverage of the European seasons!!!!!