The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE race for the final playoff spot in Turkey’s Turkish Basketball First League with both Dwight Coleby and Zane Knowles looking to secure spots for their respective clubs.

Coleby and Merkezefendi Belediyesi Denizl got a much needed win after he posted 20 points and a season high 19 rebounds in a 77-63 win over Amak. Denzl improved to 8-8 on the season.

Knowles had 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists for Balikesir Buyuksehir Belediyespor in their 94-79 loss to Kigatspor.

It was Balikesir’s second consecutive loss and they fell to 9-7 on the season. The TBL is the second tiered league in the country. The league features 16 teams and the first place finisher is promoted to the top tier Turkish Basketball Super League.

Teams ranked 2nd place to 9th place compete in playoff format and the winner of the playoff also promotes.

The last two teams are relegated to the third tier Turkish Basketball Second League.

Just two games separate the No.1 (Akhisar) and No.9 (Konyaspor) seeds in the standings. Balikesir is currently in the No.5 spot, but in a five-team tie at 9-7. Denizl is one game behind at No.10 in a three-team tie at 8-8.

Both players have enjoyed success this season in Turkey, leading their teams on the boards as the top rebounders and second leading scorers.

Through 15 games, Knowles has averaged 15.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while Coleby has averaged 12.7 points and 11.5 rebounds per game in 15 games.

Just four games remain in the regular season, which concludes on February 28.