Preview: Emlak II at Samsun Ihtisas in Women’s Basketball

IHTISAS, Turkey (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Saturday when the surging Samsun Ihtisas hosts struggling Emlak II in a Turkey A women’s professional basketball matchup.

The game pits one of the league’s top teams against one near the bottom. Samsun Ihtisas enters with a formidable 19-5 record across all competitions, while Emlak II sits at 7-16. The teams last met on Dec. 22, 2025, with Emlak II pulling off a 63-53 home victory. Replicating that result on the road will be a significant challenge.

Samsun Ihtisas is powered by forward DreUna Edwards, who is coming off a dominant stretch. In her last three games, Edwards averaged 21 points, 12 rebounds and 5.7 assists, including a near-triple-double of 23 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists in a 92-73 road win over Darica Basketbol Feneri on April 5. Her all-around play has been central to her team’s success.

Emlak II will counter with guard Ceren Akpinar, its most consistent offensive threat. Akpinar scored 22 points in a 74-46 home win over Secil Kaucuk Mersin Basketball last Sunday, adding six rebounds and five assists. She has averaged 17 points over her last three outings. Support from Feray Laic and Asya Ulker, who combined for 24 points and 15 assists in the April 5 win, will be crucial.

Recent form heavily favors the hosts. Samsun Ihtisas has won two of its last three, with the lone loss a narrow 76-72 defeat to Turgutlu. Emlak II has lost three of its last four, including several close contests, but is buoyed by its convincing victory last weekend.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. local time at Ihtisas Arena. Samsun Ihtisas will look to solidify its standing near the top of the table, while Emlak II aims to build momentum from its latest win and spring another upset.