BALIKESIR (Interstat) — Kahramanmaras will seek to move above .500 when it visits Balikesir on Sunday in Turkish TBL play.

Kahramanmaras enters 1-1 after splitting its first two games. The team’s most recent result was an 83-72 home win over TED Kolejliler. Before that, Kahramanmaras dropped a 73-72 decision at Goztepe. Balikesir is still searching for its first win at 0-2. The home side fell 67-65 at Darussafaka in its most recent game and earlier lost 70-69 to Fenerbahce at home. Both of Balikesir’s defeats have come by a combined three points, while Kahramanmaras has one win and one one-point loss.

Koray Cekici is the player to watch for Kahramanmaras. He had 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists in 22 minutes in the win over Ankara Kolejliler. He followed that with seven points and two rebounds in 16 minutes at Goztepe. Cekici’s ability to score inside and help on the boards gives Kahramanmaras a reliable option in the frontcourt. His rebounding could be important against a Balikesir team that has leaned on Jaquan Scott in the paint.

Jaquan Scott is the player to watch for Balikesir. He produced 18 points and 12 rebounds in 34 minutes at Darussafaka. Emirali Gokturk added 15 points in 25 minutes, and Christian Bradford scored 18 points with six assists in 33 minutes. Balikesir will need similar production from Scott and its supporting cast to counter Kahramanmaras. Scott’s scoring and rebounding have been a bright spot for the home team during its 0-2 start.

The game could hinge on whether Balikesir can control the boards and limit Kahramanmaras’s second-chance opportunities. Kahramanmaras has shown balance in its early games, winning at home and losing by one point on the road. Balikesir has also been competitive, with both losses decided by two points or fewer. A fast start would help the home team avoid falling behind against a Kahramanmaras side that has already posted 83 points in a game.

After Sunday, Kahramanmaras is scheduled to host Kecioren Baglum before visiting Final Spor Genclik. Its upcoming schedule also includes home games against CO Basket, Mersin, Mugla, Baskent Ankara and iLab Basketbol, along with road games at Harem Spor, Buyukcekmece and Konya BBSK. Balikesir is set to visit TED Kolejliler and Goztepe, then host Kecioren Baglum, Final Spor Genclik, CO Basket, Mersin, Mugla and Baskent Ankara. Balikesir will also travel to Harem Spor and Buyukcekmece. Both teams will continue Turkish TBL play with opportunities to establish momentum in the early part of the schedule.

The game simulator projects Kahramanmaras to defeat Balikesir 93-81.