June 30, 2009 (Photo: FIBA Europe)Engin Atsür drained 26 points to lead Turkey to their first victory over Italy on Tuesday, June 20th, in Pescara, Italy, including hitting 4 for 9 from the three. The win brings Turkey to 3-0 in the Mediterranean Games, their first foray into Eurobasket 2009. Placing high in Eurobasket assures most teams entrance into the FIBA World Championship next year, although Turkey as host is guaranteed to wild-card in the tourney no matter what happens.

From FIBA:

Turkey, who are being coached by Alaeddin Yakan, trailed 70-57 at the end of the third quarter but clawed their way back and knotted the contest at 81-81 at the end of regulation.

I think Engin wants to make sure Turkey doesn’t just slide into the tourney just because. And, I guess his ankle and his hammy are doing just fine, thank you very much. Sounds like it was a great game with a lot of our favorite Turkish point guard driving inside to the basket to get it done. The final score: 121-119. Go Engin!