Turkey lose 1st group match of FIBA WC qualifying stage against Belarus

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Belarus defeated Turkey 84-70 Thursday in their first group match in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying stage.

Belarus had a strong start from the beginning, building a 43-34 lead at the end of the first half at Minsk's Sports Palace.

By the end of the third period, the Belarusian team were leading 61-53 as the Turkish side scored 19 points. Belarus did not let Turkey get close in the final quarter, allowing only 17 points.

Maksim Salash was the highest scorer of the game with 26 points as Artsiom Parakhouski finished with 16 points and nine rebounds.

For Turkey, Sehmus Hazer came off the bench to add 17 points while Muhsin Yasar scored 14 points and six rebounds.

Turkey will host Great Britain in Istanbul on Nov. 28 in the second game of Group B.