Turkey survived Spain at home (71-67) in the first day of November’s FIBA WC Qualifiers and climbed on top of the standings.
Semih Erden led the way for the winners, with 16 points, 14 rebounds and a PIR of 29, while Dogus Balbay and James Metecan Birsen added 12 points apiece.
For Spain, Dario Brizuela scored a game-high 18 points, as Fran Vazquez posted 10.
The hosts had control of the game (36-34, 56-48), but the visitors came back and tied the match, with 45 seconds remaining (67-67).
Erden scored a crucial two-pointer, though, and gave his team a much-needed victory at home.
Both teams now have identical records (7-2), but they haven’t secured their qualification to China yet.
