“It was a very challenging game. Both teams maintained a high rhythm on defense. Karşıyaka deserved the win. The reason that we lost the game is very simple: we had 15 fewer possessions than our opponent. In a low-scoring match with tough defense from both sides, we allowed 15 offensive rebounds and made 16 turnovers. These were the key to keeping the game under control. With this result, we missed our first target this season. There are things we need to learn from this match. Right now, we have to concentrate on Euroleague, and prepare as good as we can for our match against Crvena Zvezda...”

Anadolu Efes’s Birkan Batuk also stated his thoughts: “First of all, I would like to express my grief, on behalf of myself and my club, over the events in Ankara. We do not approve of any form of terrorism. Condolences to our country. As to the match; we were able to play as we liked in the first half, yet we allowed too many offensive rebounds in the second half, especially in the final moments. So we are also sad for losing the match. However, there’s not much to do about this. I hope we will recover quickly, increase our rhythm on defense, and play better. We are going to go to Serbia in a week. We have a really crucial game in the Euroleague. I hope we will prepare well until the match, rise victorious at the adverse atmosphere, and proceed.”