Two Straight Tough Ones

I describe them as ‘tough ones’ because we ended up losing them both.  I suspect that is why I have been slow in posting this update!  It’s never fun writing about loses, particularly when you lose one you definitely needed to win and two you could have won.  But that is how it goes sometimes in hoops.  I have played long enough to realize that and so much more.

Anyhow, we first lost to one of the top teams, Galatasary.  I played horrible.  Scored six points, I believe and made only one FG.  Had nine assists, but if I had to do it over again, I just would have stopped shooting entirely and had 12 assists instead!  I was extremely frustrated with the officiating, because it was horrible, but thankfully did not throw the ball into the seats (which, I must confess, did cross my mind once or twice).  I have a difficult time accepting the fact that the referees refuse to call fouls on defenders who insist on grabbing and using their hands on defense.  That is why playing over here is more difficult than playing in the NBA, but that is for another day.

We returned home and lost to a tough Erdemir team that is towards the bottom of the league.  They are not your normal bottom team, but if we had played to our potential, I think we would have emerged victorious.  I turned it around personally and scored 33 on 11-18 shooting.  Still doesn’t help the loss feel much better though.  We only shot 11 FTs to their 23, but that is all I will say there.  Say much more and I may have a difficult time falling asleep!

This weekend we have a break because of something called the Turkish Cup (which we are not in this year).  It’s been good to have a few days off, but after losing two straight, I am definitely looking forward to playing another game.  That will take place, Lord willing, next Saturday against a team tied with us in the standings at 9-10, Karisyaka.  I will be sure to write an update rather soon after that contest (particular, I confess, if we play well and win).