Türkiye outlasts Serbia 94-86 to reach World Cup Qualifiers Second Round

Türkiye’s “12 Dev Adam” booked their place in the Second Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers with a 94-86 home win over Serbia in Istanbul.

Türkiye set the tone early with a 28-21 first quarter, then absorbed Serbia’s push in the second period, which the visitors won 23-20. That left Türkiye 48-44 in front at halftime. The decisive stretch came after the break. Türkiye won the third quarter 28-19 to open real separation, then managed the finish even as Serbia took the fourth 23-18.

Tarık Biberović was the standout of the night. He posted 21 points, five rebounds and five assists and finished as the game’s top efficiency player. Ömer Yurtseven added 17 points, Şehmus Hazer scored 15, and Cedi Osman contributed 13 as Türkiye spread the load against a deep Serbian rotation.

The game was played at the Turkcell Basketball Development Centre in front of 9,422 fans.