Charles Saves Galatasaray At Bourges

Tina Charles sealed the road win for Galatasaray, avoiding a a major upset in Bourges

Galatasaray avoided a major upset at Bourges Basket on Wednesday in Group A of the EuroLeague Women.

The Turkish club, among the favorites to win the title, prevailed 66-65 to remain unbeaten in Group A at 6-0.

Trailing 65-64 after Bourges star Catherine Joens took her points haul to 25 with a jumper, Galatasaray coach Ceyhun Yildizoglu called a timeout.

Just as nearly everyone expected, Gala's Diana Taurasi got the ball in her hands and attempted a jump shot but missed.

However, Tina Charles grabbed the offensive rebound and was fouled by Marielle Amant.

The Team USA star went to the line and sank both free-throws for a one-point advantage.

Bourges got the ball to Joens for one last attempt but her three was off target as Gala scraped the narrowest of wins.

While Taurasi has made most of the headlines with the club this season, Charles was the MVP on this occasion.

She finished with a Herculean 25 points and 18 rebounds.

Bourges, who slumped to 2-4 in Group A with the defeat, were nine of 23 from long range with Joens hitting five of her 13 attempts.

Gala were just three of 16 from long range and 21 of 56 inside the arc but did sink 15 of their 18 free-throws.

Quotes Bourges Basket vs Galatasaray

Bourges small forward Cathy JOENS:
"After the lost games we knew and against a great team like Galatasaray, we knew we have to play our best basketball tonight. But even if Galatasaray is a really good team, the game is only to put balls in the basket and tonight we did. It was a close match and the two balls we lost certainly cost the win.
We have a good team, a good coach and good players but we have to fight at each game."

Bourges head coach Valérie GARNIER:
"We are disappointed because we lead during all the game. At the end we lost two balls and the last rebound and with Tina Charles it's two points. The team was generous tonight, they fight and play hard. When we play like that we can face teams as Galatasaray. We have to continue this way. The next game at Kaunas will be really important for us."

Galatasaray head coach Ceyhun YILDIZOGLU:
"First I want to congratulate the Bourges team for their game. In the first half we let Cathy Joens play and score three points. After the half time we had better defense. Our bench players were really important tonight like Ivanka Matic. We know we will have the final 8 at home but we really want to desserve it and show our best basketball."

Galatasaray point guard Isil ALBEN:
"It was my first game in Bourges and it was tough. Our good defense after the half time was one of the keys of the game."