Tough Loss

Offense

Good afternoon from Turkey!  I am waiting to go to our second practice today so I thought I would give you an update on how our last game went.  We suffered a tough 89-93 loss to Antalya (who was in last place in the league) at home.  We were ahead the entire game until the 4th quarter again.  In our last 2 losses both games we have lost the 4th and final quarter.  We definitely didn't play a very good game but it came down to the last couple minutes of regulation (I was on the bench), and they had a couple offensive rebounds and made a couple tough shots that made the difference in the end.  Both teams were playing hard but I gotta give credit to Antalya for their execution offensively as well as defensively.  They played a solid game, changing up defenses, playing a great pick and roll game and keeping us on our heels.  I ended the game with 10 points (2-4 2fg, 2-6 3fg), 3 assists, and 1 rebound.  It is the second game in a row that I haven't been to the FT line.  Thats quite an impressive stat considering I used to live at the FT (guess I gotta be more aggressive).  Our record stands at 3-4 in the league tied for 7th out of 16.

Driving to the bucket

Our next game is against Aliaga on the road out in Izmir, Turkey.  We need a solid week of practice to get better and work on the things that we struggle with.  I am looking forward to getting back in the gym and competing.  Our next game is on Sunday,  Dec. 2nd.  I can't believe it is almost December already, where has this year gone.  That is all the news from Turkey.  I hope you all were safe during Black Friday shopping and I hope you had a wonderful time with you family members over Thanksgiving! Have an amazing day!  God Bless!  Titus 2:11

3-3

Hey everyone!  Sorry I haven't updated my blog recently.  I haven't really thought about my blog lately especially when we have family visiting.  AJ's folks visited us for 10 days and we all had a wonderful time!  You need to check out AJ's website www.amandamosaic.com for more details on their visit.

We have played two games since I last updated the blog.  The first game we played was 2 weeks ago and we came away with a 84-60 win over Hacettepe.  We played a great team game, coming away with 19 assists as a team.  We had 5 guys in double figures.  Ranging from 10 point to 18 points.  I had 10 points (3-7 2fg, 1-2 3fg, 1-2 ft), 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal.  It was a great game for us to win since both teams where tied with a 2-2 record.  After that win our record stood at 3-2 in the league.

Our next game we played last Saturday was against Galatasaray up in Istanbul.  They are the only team that was unbeaten in the league, AND they are still the only team unbeaten in the league.  We got beat 90-66.  It was a rough game for us offensively and defensively.  We only had 3 guys in double figures. I ended the game with 3 points (0-2 2fg, 1-3 3fg,) 2 assists, and 1 rebound.  Even though we were struggling on offense and defense we still were only down 6 points going into the 4th quarter.  However they turned it up a notch and ran away with a convincing win.  We turned the ball over multiple times and they were forcing us into tough shots which lead to quick transition baskets for them.  Our record now stands at 3-3 and tied for 7th place in the league.

We were extremely happy and excited having AJ's parents over visiting us for 10 days.  It was great to see some family and enjoy the great company.  We are looking forward to my dad coming over during his Christmas break.  It will be great seeing more family and having more company during the holiday season!  Thats about all for now.  I have to run and get the door, the heating man is here to turn on our heat for the winter... BURRRR!!! Have a wonderful day! God Bless!  Psalm 62:8

Demolished

Hello!  Great afternoon to be alive and well :)!  I hope you all are having a great day.  I am excited to announce the arrival of the in-laws (Dave and Shayla) on Thursday!  AJ's parents are coming to Turkey to visit and we can't wait to see them.  We are looking forward to showing them around Ankara as well as other parts of Turkey.

Driving to the bucket

On some basketball news, we absolutely got destroyed in our game on Saturday.  We played a very talented and deep Banvit team.  We ended up losing 112-76.  We started off the game great.  After the first quarter it was 20-20.  Then all of a sudden we were down 20 points at half.  They beat us in every aspect of the game (transition, hustle, effort, shooting, defense,  offense, etc).  It was a rough game after the first quarter.  We sat down and looked at film yesterday on our mistakes and hopefully we can improve those for the next game.  To be honest it was a flat out ugly game on our part and I really can't say much more about it!  This week we need work hard and focus on our next opponent Hacettepe.  Our record stands at 2-2 in the league tied with 5 teams, Hacettepe being one of them.

Some stats from the last game.  Vanja lead the way for all scores with 15 points (4-6 2fg, 2-4 3fg, 1-2 ft), 5 rebounds.  Jovo had 13 points (5-10 2fg, 3-4 ft), 3 rebounds.  Nedim had 11 points (5-8 2fg, 1-3 ft), 6 rebounds.  Caner (our back up 2-3 man) had 12 points (6-8 2fg, 0-3 3fg), 2 rebounds.  Our starting 2-3 man Kirk Penney didn't play because of an Achilles injury.  I had 9 points (2-3 2fg, 1-2 3fg, 2-2 ft), 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals.  Hopefully this weekend we can have a better effort and outcome.  I don't want to disappoint the in-laws while they are watching ;)!

That is all the updates from Ankara Turkey.  I see the Bison basketball just squeaked by the Dragons of Moorhead again with an OT win (wiping the sweat off the brow) in exhibition play.  I am looking forward to following their season this year..GO BISON!  Time to relax before practice number 2 of the day.  I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Tuesday.  Don't forget to be thankful and count your blessings today!  God Bless... 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11