Turk Telekom has turned the ignition at just the right moment

Erdem Can’s side is one of the hottest teams in the EuroCup

This is precisely the time of the season when all teams are looking to make that extra push, change gear to improve their position in the standings and secure a playoff spot. The is when the serious business starts.

It applies to all competitions. In the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, for example, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens coach and three-time champion Ergin Ataman characterized this period as the “end of the party” and the beginning of the real deal.

When it comes to the BKT EuroCup, while other teams seem prone to perhaps surprising mishaps (we are looking at you, Valencia Basket), Turk Telekom Ankara looks to be gaining momentum at just the right moment.

Ahead of Round 14, Turk Telekom has jumped to an 8-5 record thanks to four wins over the last four games. The Turkish team hasn’t lost in the competition since November, as the streak began with a 93-98 road win over 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys on December 4.

After that triumph, Turk Telekom also grabbed victories over Aris Midea Thessaloniki (87-77), Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (74-80), and then Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (98-89) last week.

Not only has this run put them even closer to securing a spot in the postseason but it has placed them in legit contention for a potential top-two finish in Group B and secure a direct ticket to the quarterfinals. They are currently 3rd at 8-5 – the same record as second-placed Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem – and only Valencia has more wins than them with 11 wins and three defeats.