INDIANAPOLIS - Turkey which beat Russia 91-86 on Saturday was ranked the ninth in the 14th World Basketball Championship.
Ibrahim Kutluay scored 20 points and Mirsad Turkcan added 18 points and 20 rebounds as Turkey rallied from 16 points down to beat Russia for ninth place in the championship. Turkey, playing in the world tournament for the first time, trailed 71-55 but scored the last seven points of the third quarter and the first five of the final period to get back in the game. A steal by Harun Erdenay and fast-break layup by Kutluay cut it to 74-71. Then, after Kutluay fouled out, Russia built the lead back to seven points before three straight baskets by Erdenay and two free throws by Turkcan put Turkey into the lead at 79-78. There were three more lead changes and one tie before a free throw by Turkcan started an 8-0 run that put the game out of reach. Turkey's biggest lead was at 91-83 before a free throw and basket by Serguei Panov in the closing seconds.