Galatasaray secured an 82‑72 win over Bahçeşehir Koleji on Thursday, marking coach Gianmarco Pozzecco’s second triumph in the Turkish BSL. A dominant 35‑12 third‑quarter run turned a tight first half into a double‑digit lead, pushing the Lions to a 9‑7 record and solidifying their push toward the overall playoff race.
A Fresh Chapter Under Gianmarco Pozzecco
Only two games into his tenure, former Italian point guard Gianmarco Pozzecco is already reshaping Galatasaray’s identity. After a hard‑fought win over Beşiktaş GAİN, the “Italian Maestro” guided the Lions to another victory, demonstrating that his high‑tempo, offense‑first philosophy is taking root. The team’s quick rotations, aggressive press, and fluid ball‑movement were evident throughout the contest.
Game Flow: From Tight Beginnings to a Third‑Quarter Surge
The opening minutes were a chess match. Bahçeşehir Koleji slowed the tempo with disciplined half‑court sets, forcing Galatasaray to work for every basket. By the end of the first quarter the score read 22‑21 in favor of the hosts.
In the second quarter Galatasaray’s backcourt, led by point guard Alperen Şengün, stretched the floor and found Kaan Çıra on the wing for timely three‑pointers. The Lions entered halftime with a 44‑39 edge, thanks to balanced scoring from Şengün (12 points), power forward Efe Şeker (10 points), and eight bench points.
The third quarter changed the narrative. Pozzecco called a full‑court press that forced turnovers, sparking a 35‑12 run that turned a five‑point lead into a double‑digit cushion. Şengün added eight points in the quarter, while rookie forward Cemre Kalyoncu hit three crucial threes.
Bahçeşehir narrowed the gap to 77‑71 in the fourth, but Galatasaray’s composure held. A late layup by Şeker and a clutch three from Çıra sealed the 82‑72 final.
Statistical Snapshot
- Field‑Goal Percentage: Galatasaray 48% (31/65) vs Bahçeşehir 41% (27/66)
- Three‑Point Shooting: 9‑22 (41%) for Galatasaray; 6‑19 (32%) for Bahçeşehir
- Rebounds: Both teams recorded 41 rebounds each
- Turnovers: Galatasaray forced 12, converting 8 into points; Bahçeşehir committed 11
Implications for the Season
The victory nudges Galatasaray closer to the playoff conversation. With nine wins they sit two games behind second‑place Anadolu Efes and within striking distance of the top three. Pozzecco’s zone press and rapid ball movement have already produced tangible results against the league’s physical style.
Fan Reaction
Within hours of the final buzzer, highlight clips of Şengün’s alley‑oop finishes and the decisive third‑quarter press circulated widely on social media. Fans praised the “Pozzecco Effect,” and the surge in online engagement signals renewed optimism among Galatasaray supporters.
Looking Ahead
Galatasaray’s next challenge arrives in week 17 against Fenerbahçe Beko, a high‑profile matchup with significant playoff seeding implications. Replicating the intensity displayed against Bahçeşehir could cement the Lions as genuine title contenders as the BSL races toward the postseason.
