Preview: Darussafaka at Pizza Bulls

ISTANBUL (Interstat) — Two teams near the bottom of the Turkish Basketball League standings will meet Wednesday when the Pizza Bulls host Darussafaka in a late-season matchup.

The game, scheduled for April 22, 2026, pits teams with nearly identical disappointing records. The Pizza Bulls (13-20) sit just one game ahead of Darussafaka (12-20) in the standings, adding significance to the contest as both clubs look to build momentum heading into the offseason.

Darussafaka enters after a high-scoring 110-105 home victory over TED Kolejliler on Saturday. Forward Mert Sert led the way with 20 points and six rebounds in 38 minutes. Sert has been inconsistent, however, scoring just one point in a loss on April 3 before his recent outburst.

The Pizza Bulls are also coming off a narrow win, edging Final Spor Genclik 89-88 on the road Saturday. Their success is increasingly tied to the dominant play of center Julien Ducree, who recorded 18 points and 15 rebounds in that victory. Ducree has been on a tear, averaging 27.5 points and 12.3 rebounds over his last four games, including a 35-point, 13-rebound, six-block performance on April 4.

The season series is split 1-1. Darussafaka won the first meeting 96-83 at home last November, but the Pizza Bulls responded with a decisive 109-75 victory when the teams last met on March 9.

For Darussafaka, containing Ducree will be the primary challenge. Their recent form has been volatile, mixing a 101-68 loss to Gaziantep with their 110-point offensive showcase. Alongside Sert, guard Tavian Dunn-Martin, who scored 24 points Saturday, provides a key perimeter threat.

The Pizza Bulls have shown more consistency lately, winning three of their last four. Ducree’s interior presence will test a Darussafaka defense that has allowed an average of 90.2 points over its last five games.

Tipoff is Wednesday afternoon in Istanbul.