EUROBASKET 2011

Preview by Jeff Taylor

'We have already beaten Turkey twice recently and I think we can beat them again," says Germany Head Coach Dirk Bauermann

GROUP E - FRIDAY AT 18:00 (17:30 CET)

Germany are going into their game against Turkey knowing they are drinking at the last-chance saloon.

After carrying no wins into the Second Round from Group B because of defeats to Serbia and France, and due to their setback against Spain on Wednesday, the Germans' record in Group E is 0-3.

The good news for Germany is that they know what it's like to face Turkey as they met twice in the build-up to the EuroBasket and won both games.

"We lost two of them (friendly games) against Germany but this is a different tournament and we are in a different situation," said Turkey star Hedo Turkoglu.

"We knew it was a lesson, the Poland game for us, and we learned from that."

Turkey lost to Poland in their penultimate Group A game but Britain's win over the Poles over the following day punched Turkey's ticket for the Second Round.

Friday's clash is an uncomfortable game for Turkey, too, because they are 1-2 in Group E.

Head-to-Head: Germany have won five of their eight meetings against Turkey at EuroBaskets. The last time the sides met in the tournament was four years ago in Spain, and Germany rolled to a 79-49 triumph.

Last Time Out: Turkey lost 68-64 to France on Wednesday while Germany fell 77-68 to Spain.

Key Match-Up: Germany's Chris Kaman v Turkey's Enes Kanter

Key Stat: Germany committed 11 of their 16 turnovers in the second half against Spain while France scored 16 points off Turkey's 16 turnovers.

X-Factor: Germany's Robin Benzing was in foul trouble against Spain but can play a significant role against a deep and talented Turkey.

Sounding Off: "We played exceptionally well against Italy. We played very well against Serbia at times and today, we played well for 40 minutes (Wednesday against Spain) so I think we have a great chance to win against Turkey. They are extremely strong but we have already beaten them twice recently and I think we can beat them again," says Germany coach Dirk Bauermann