Türkiye Secures Victory Over Japan in FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying

ISTANBUL – Türkiye’s national women’s basketball team claimed a 75-67 victory over Japan in Group C of the FIBA 2026 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers on Saturday. This marks Türkiye’s second win in the group stage.

Key Match Details

Türkiye will continue its qualifying campaign on Sunday, March 15th, with a matchup against Australia.

Game Recap

Japan initially dominated the first period, capitalizing on mid-range shots to establish an early lead. Türkiye responded with points from both inside and outside the arc, but Japan closed the first quarter leading 20-16.

The second period saw Türkiye attempt to close the gap, focusing on scoring in the painted area. Alperi Onar’s layup tied the game at 20-20 in the 12th minute. However, Japan answered with a series of three-point shots, extending their lead to 11 points with a three-pointer from Yamamoto in the 19th minute (41-30). Despite Türkiye’s efforts, Japan entered halftime ahead 41-35.

Türkiye began the second half with a strong 11-0 run, fueled by Beren Burke’s basket, taking the lead at 41-46 in the 23rd minute. Japan quickly responded with consecutive three-pointers, regaining the upper hand with a 9-0 streak, culminating in a shot from Takada (50-46). Türkiye then countered with a 6-0 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Sevgi Uzun, to regain the lead at 50-52 in the 29th minute. The national team entered the final quarter ahead 55-54 with a basket from Alperi Onar.

In the fourth quarter, Türkiye capitalized on home-court advantage, initiating a 6-0 run with a layup from Alperi Onar (54-61). Japan managed to narrow the gap to two points at times, but Türkiye held firm, securing the 75-67 victory.

Player Performance

Beren Burke was named the “player of the match” for her outstanding performance.

Team Statistics

• Japan: Machida 5, Tanaka 6, Hirashita 5, Takada 9, Tokashiki 7, Konno, Mawuli 3, Asahina, Yamamoto 18, Yabu, Miyazawa 11, Todo 3
• Türkiye: Sevgi Uzun 17, Olcay Çakır Turgut 8, Gökşen Fitik 3, Beren Burke 25, Esra Ural Topuz 6, Ayşe Cora Yamaner 7, Alperi Onar 7, Elif Bayram, Zeynep Gül, Derin Erdoğan 2, Sinem Ataş, Melek Uzunoğlu

Quarter Scores

• 1st Period: 20-16
• 2nd Period: 41-35
• 3rd Period: 54-55

Officials

The game was officiated by Julio Anaya (Panama), Kyoungjin Park (South Korea), and Nicolas Zivieri (Brazil).

FAQ

What is the FIBA Women’s World Cup?

The FIBA Women’s World Cup is an international basketball competition featuring national teams from around the globe.

Where was the game played?

The game was played at the Basketball Development Center in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Who was named player of the match?

Beren Burke of Türkiye was named the player of the match.

Did you know? Kennedy Burke (25 PTS) was the TCL Player of the Game.

Türkiye’s victory demonstrates their growing strength in women’s basketball and positions them well in their pursuit of a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. Fans eagerly await their next challenge against Australia.

What are your thoughts on Türkiye’s performance? Share your opinions in the comments below!