The scheduled Oct. 2 SuperCup Women title game between Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe in Istanbul, Turkey, had various storylines to follow. These included:
- How will Nika Mühl perform in her first game for Beşiktaş after her limited WNBA rookie experience with the Seattle Storm?
- Will Gabby Williams of Fenerbahçe revive her unbelievable Olympic performance for her new team?
- Despite a roster that is not complete, will Fenerbahçe dominate against their local rivals?
- Will Besiktas secure their first win of the season after three straight opening losses?
After an hour-long wait, the decision was made to replay the game the next day in an empty arena at 3 p.m. local time. The intense derby atmosphere with chants, songs, and passionate fans was absent, stripping away an essential element of the match between two top Istanbul teams. The derby is a rivalry game between local teams filled with history, animosity, and passion. Unfortunately, the fans’ actions during the scheduled game led to punishment for everyone involved.
In the game, Fenerbahçe emerged victorious with a 79-63 win. The first half was close, with Beşiktaş leading by four points at halftime. However, Beşiktaş could not maintain their lead in the second half, despite Khaalia Hillsman’s impressive performance with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Sadly, Nika Mühl’s injury in the third quarter, which required her to be helped off the floor, was a heartbreaking moment in the empty arena, devoid of the usual energetic fans.
Emma Meesseman shined for Fenerbahçe, showcasing her skills in passing and scoring. Gabby Williams also made a valuable contribution to her new team with 11 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Sevgi Uzun, fresh off her WNBA season with the Dallas Wings, scored 15 points and made two assists and two steals for Fenerbahçe. While Fenerbahçe’s win was well-deserved, it was also a loss for the organizers and fans due to the lack of audience engagement.
