With the other EuroLeague-based sides in Turkey all recording victories, it was expected that the supposed favourites to win the Turkish league, Fenerbahce would open their account with a win, as well.
But Usak Sportif had other ideas, edging last season’s EuroLeague finalists with a shock 71-70 win in their TBL opener.
Ekpe Odoh had the chance to take the game to overtime with 1.0 seconds left but he could only manage 1/2 from the foul line, which gave the Usak Sportif fans their starting point to celebrate. Something that they believed would happen from the opening tip, as they had controlled the game from the start and led 40-33 at the half.
Fenerbahce fought back to tie the game at 67-67 but that was the best they could muster as they unexpectedly start the TBL season 0-1.
Fenerbahce coach Zeljko Obradovic was just as shocked as everybody else watching, but also stated that his side’s first half showing was unacceptable
“I congratulate the Uşak team,” he said. “From beginning to the end of the match, they played with great motivation and ambition. They wanted to win and they deserved it. During the first half we were bad and second half we tried to come back but the play and the behavior of the first half cannot be accepted.”
Fenerbahce will have to put this performance behind them as they host Istanbul BB in round two of the TBL on Saturday, but 24 hours before that, they begin their EuroLeague campaign at home to Brose Baskets.
