Montenegro - Israel
79-69
Montenegro clinched the top position in EuroBasket Qualifying
Round Group A. They defeated Israel on the final day of the
action and claimed the top spot in the pool. Despite the loss
Israel also booked their place at the next years EuroBasket.
Israel finished second at 5-3 record.
Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) knocked down 20 points and
grabbed 8 rebounds to lead Montenegro. The hosts opened the game
with eight points in a row. Israel gradually recovered and
spurred in front 18:17 late in the period. But the home side
managed to build a 24:20 lead at the break. Israel went on an
8:0 run to open the second quarter.
Goran Jeretin
(192-G-79, agency:
Beo Basket) stopped the bleeding for Montenegro but Pnini
and
Yuval Naimy
(188-G-85, agency:
Arik Krayn Services) ensured a 37:29 lead for Israel. The
visitors stayed in charge and recorded a 41:37 lead at halftime.
Israel led for the bigger part of the third term before
Omar-Sharif Cook gave the lead back to Montenegro with a
three-pointer. But
Omri Casspi
(204-F/G-88, agency:
Interperformances) immediately responded with three points
to claim a 57:56 lead for Israel at the final intermission.
Sehovic opened the fourth term with a three-pointer to put
Montenegro in the drivers seat.
Goran Jeretin and
Vladimir Dragicevic boosted the lead to 9 points midway
through the quarter 71:62.
Vladimir Dragicevic helped the hosts to a 12-point lead and
Montenegro did not look back en route to the victory. Nikola
Pekovic produced 19 points and 6 rebounds for Montenegro.
Goran Jeretin and Omar-Sharif Cook added 11 points each in
the win.
Omri Casspi and
Lior Eliyahu
(207-F-85, agency:
ZAG Advocates) replied with 18 points each for Israel.
Yuval Naimy and
David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college:
USC) finished with 8 points apiece in the loss.
Finland - Latvia
90-93
Latvia crowned their EuroBasket Qualifying Round campaign with
victory. They held off Finland to finish at 3-5 record in Group
A. Finland suffered the seventh defeat in eight games played.
Kaspars Berzins
(213-F/C-85, agency:
FCM) knocked down 15 points to pace well-balanced offensive
effort from the visitors. Latvia set in charge early in the
encounter and maintained the lead well throughout the first
frame. The Latvian team posted a 21:18 lead ten minutes into the
game.
Sasu Salin
(190-G-91) ignited a 10:0 run from Finland in the second quarter
as the hosts pulled in front. Finland unloaded 32 points in the
quarter to pile up an 8-point buffer at halftime. Zakis opened
the third term with 7 points in a row to pull the visitors
closer. Finland remained in charge for some time before
Ernests Kalve
(200-F-87) and Bertans gave Latvia a 69:68 lead late in the
quarter. Muurinen capped the term with two free throws as
Finland entered the fourth stanza up by one 70:69.
Gerald Lee (208-F-87) and
Sasu Salin opened an 8-point lead for Finland early in the
fourth frame. However
Kaspars Berzins kept Latvia within striking distance.
Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88) fired a three-pointer to level
things up at 84 with under four minutes to go.
Andrejs Selakovs
(210-C-88) hit four points as Latvia posted a 92:90 lead with 34
seconds remaining. Strelnieks then followed with one free throw
to ensure a three-point lead for Latvia.
Sasu Salin committed a turnover in the final possession for
the hosts and Latvia snatched a narrow win at the end.
Ernests Kalve notched 14 points for Latvia.
Rihards Kuksiks and
Andrejs Selakovs had 10 points each in the win.
Gerald Lee replied with 24 points for Finland.
Sasu Salin accounted for 14 points in the loss.
Group B
Bosnia - FYR Macedonia
83-71
Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated FYR Macedonia in the final game
of the EuroBasket Qualifying Round for both teams. It was
however a different outcome for the teams at the end. FYR
Macedonia occupied the second place in Group B ladder and
punched the ticket to EuroBasket. Bosnia and Herzegovina
finished just in the fourth spot in the ladder. FYR Macedonia
started the game strongly. They posted a 21:16 lead after ten
minutes. But the hosts came recharged in the second stanza. They
capped it on an 11:2 run to establish a 40:34 lead.
Edin Bavcic
(210-F/C-84, agency:
Beo Basket) opened the second half with a three-pointer to
boost the lead. FYR Macedonia almost denied the deficit but the
home team escaped to take a 58:52 advantage into the fourth
term. Henry Domercant, Nesovic and
Nihad Dedovic
(196-F-90, agency:
Beo Basket) posted a 10-point advantage for Bosnia and
Herzegovina early in the fourth stanza. They defended the lead
well enough throughout the period and celebrated a deserved
victory at the end.
Nihad Dedovic finished with 20 points for Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
Edin Bavcic notched 19 points for the winners.
Lester McCalebb
(183-G-85, college:
New Orleans) replied with 19 points for FYR Macedonia.
Pero Antic
(210-F-82, agency:
Interperformances) knocked down 15 points in the loss.
Ukraine - United Kingdom
75-66
Ukraine overcame Great Britain in the final game of the
EuroBasket Qualifying Round. The victory propelled Vitaly
Cherniys team to the third place in Group B. The loss
nevertheless did not spoil the celebration for Great Britain.
They claimed the top place in the pool and would be heading to
Lithuania to take part at the 2011 EuroBasket.
Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency:
Arik Krayn Services, college:
Duke) helped Great Britain to a 14:8 lead midway through the
first quarter. But Ukraine quickly regained control and raced to
an 18:15 lead at the first intermission. Deng kept Great Britain
in the game in the second frame. But once again it was a strong
finish that put Ukraine in front by 10 at the big break 42:32.
The hosts tipped off the second half on a 10:3 run to pile up a
16-point advantage. They well kept the visitors at bay and
ensured a 60:49 lead into the fourth quarter. Nate Reinking
dragged Great Britain within 6 points early in the fourth
stanza. Then
Luol Deng and Boyd cut the deficit at just 3-point mark.
However
Serhiy Lishchuk
(210-C/F-82, agency:
Beo Basket) and Gliebov teamed up for 7 points as Ukraine
cleared off to a safe distance and hung on to win the game.
Serhiy Lishchuk notched 20 points and 10 rebounds for
Ukraine.
Maksym Pustozvonov (200-F-87, agency:
Beo Basket) added 14 points, while
Olexiy Onufriyev
(200-F-82) had 10 in the victory.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu
(206-F-83, agency:
SportsTalent, college:
George Washington) tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds for
Great Britain.
Luol Deng finished with 17 points in the loss.
Group C
Belgium - Poland
70-67
Belgium clinched the top spot in Group D of the EuroBasket
Qualifying Round. This means Belgium are heading to Lithuania
next season to participate at the European Championship. They
held off Poland in the decisive battle in Antwerp. Poland
slipped at the fourth position in the pool after the defeat.
Thomas Kelati
(195-G/F-82, agency:
Beo Basket, college:
Washington St.), Berisha and Koszarek all connected from
beyond the arc midway through the opening frame as Poland
grabbed a 19:9 lead. They maintained the advantage and posted a
23:15 buffer at the first break. Chanas opened the second
quarter with a jumper to stretch the lead. But Belgium gradually
found the right tempo and got within 6 points at halftime 33:39.
More to come as the hosts tipped off the second half with 10
points in a row to pull in front.
Thomas Kelati gave the lead back to Poland but not for too
long. Belgium finished the period up by one 56:55. Koszarek and
Thomas Kelati ensured a 65:63 advantage for Poland with
under four minutes to go.
Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) boosted the margin to four points
but the hosts had the answer.
Christophe Beghin
(207-F-80, agency:
Court Side) and
Beye Tabu-Eboma
(190-G-85) notched four points in a row to tie the game at 67.
Then
Christophe Beghin followed with a three-pointer putting the
home side in charge 70:67. Berisha and Koszarek missed their
attempts and Belgium came away winners.
Christophe Beghin finished with 16 points for Belgium.
Beye Tabu-Eboma netted 14 points for the hosts.
Thomas Kelati answered with 20 points for Poland.
Marcin Gortat tallied 18 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
Georgia - Bulgaria
94-83
Georgia overcame Bulgaria on the final day of the EuroBasket
Qualifying Round. The victory however had a bitter aftertaste,
as it proved insufficient for Georgia to directly qualify for
EuroBasket. They clinched the second place in Group D at 5-3
record. Bulgaria finished in the third position at 4-4. Both
teams will have another shot at EuroBasket when they take part
at the Additional Qualifying Round next summer. Georgia led
right from the start in this one.
Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) knocked down 9 points in the
first quarter as Georgia built a 24:19 lead. Filip Videnov and
Kostov tipped off the second stanza with back-to-back
three-pointers as Bulgaria surged ahead. The teams exchanged
baskets for some time before Bulgaria went on a 13:2 run and
grabbed a 48:41 lead at halftime. But Georgia replied with a
13:2 rally of their own at the start of the second half and
jumped back in charge. Gamqrelidze soon opened a double-digit
advantage for the home team. They stayed in charge and finished
the third stanza leading by five points 73:68. A 9:0 start to
the fourth term allowed Georgia to clear off. They kept Bulgaria
at distance throughout the fourth quarter and rolled to a
confident win at the end.
Viktor Sanikidze tallied 27 points and 11 boards for
Georgia.
Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) added 14 points and 12 rebounds,
while
Manuchar Markoishvili
(195-G-86) provided 14 points in the win.
Earl Calloway
(191-G-83, college:
Indiana) replied with 17 points for Bulgaria.
Kaloyan Ivanov
(205-F-86) had 14 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.
Day: 9 (Qualifying Round) - Aug.
27, 2010
Group A
Italy - Montenegro
72-71
Italy recorded the fifth win at the EuroBasket Qualifying Round.
They narrowly defeated Montenegro in Group A to improve at 5-3
record. Montenegro fell at 5-2 record after the defeat.
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) scored 34 points to lead the
hosts. Italy opened the game with seven points in a row. But
Montenegro quickly recovered as they responded with 9 unanswered
points to take the lead. The visitors rolled to a 17:12
advantage at the first break. Montenegro stretched the lead to 9
points at the start of the second term. Italy needed an 8:1 run
late in the quarter to pull in front 28:27.
Goran Jeretin
(192-G-79, agency:
Beo Basket) returned the lead to Montenegro as they ensured
a 34:32 cushion at halftime.
Andrea Bargnani and Antonio Maestranzi teamed up for 24
points in the third quarter to keep Italy on top. The hosts
secured a 60:56 lead at the final break. Montenegro erased the
deficit leveling things up at 67 midway through the fourth
period. Italy answered with five points in a row to take some
breathing space. Montenegro drew as close as one point but the
visitors ran out of time and Italy celebrated a tough win at the
end. Antonio Maestranzi provided 18 points for Italy.
Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) added 6 points for the winners.
Omar-Sharif Cook
(186-G-82, agency:
Beo Basket, college:
St.John's) and
Nikola Pekovic
(210-C-86, agency:
Beo Basket) netted 18 points each for Montenegro.
Goran Jeretin accounted for 12 points in the loss.
Israel - Finland
85-71
Israel made another step towards EuroBasket qualification. They
held off Finland in Tel Aviv to climb at 5-2 record in Group A
of the qualifying round.
Lior Eliyahu
(207-F-85, agency:
ZAG Advocates) notched 18 points and 13 boards to pace the
hosts. Finland slipped at 1-6 record after the defeat. Finland
got to almost perfect start. They grabbed a 12:2 lead midway
through the starting frame. The visitors stayed in charge as
they recorded a 22:13 lead at the first break.
Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) kept Finland in charge early in
the second quarter but the hosts gradually recovered.
Yotam Halperin
(196-G-84, agency:
Arik Krayn Services) knocked down back-to-back
three-pointers to trigger an 11:2 run that narrowed the deficit
to a single point 26:27. Finland remained in front as they
posted a 33:32 lead at halftime. The hosts opened the third
quarter on a 10:2 rally to surge ahead.
Yuval Naimy
(188-G-85, agency:
Arik Krayn Services) hit two consecutive treys to give
Israel a double-digit lead late in the frame. They registered a
66:53 buffer at the final intermission. Israel boosted the
margin to 20 points in the fourth frame and rallied to the win
at the end.
Yuval Naimy and
Yotam Halperin scored 13 points each for Israel.
Tal Burstein
(198-G-80, agency:
ZAG Advocates) contributed 11 points in the victory.
Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84, college:
Valparaiso) replied with 16 points and 8 rebounds for
Finland.
Petri Virtanen accounted for 11 points in the loss.
Group B
Hungary - Ukraine
83-75
Hungary posted the third win at the EuroBasket Qualifying Round.
They held off Ukraine at home court to improve at 5-3 record in
Group B. Ukraine fell at 2-5 record after the defeat.
Akos Keller (206-F/C-89) provided 17 points and 7 rebounds
in the victory. Ukraine used a 7:0 run midway through the
opening quarter to pull in front. They eked out a narrow 14:13
lead after ten minutes. The lead changed hands for several times
throughout the second quarter. But finally the hosts jumped in
front and recorded a 41:34 advantage at the interval. Vojvoda
scored five quick points at the start of the second half as
Hungary cleared off to a double-digit advantage.
Adam Hanga
(201-G-89, agency:
FCM) connected twice from beyond the arc to give the hosts a
60:45 lead. Ukraine trailed by 9 points at the final break
53:62. The visitors used a 9:0 run to get within just two points
in the final quarter. But Marton Fodor and Vojvoda came up with
key five points and Hungary ran away for good.
Adam Hanga notched 15 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for
Hungary. Marton Fodor added 12 points in the winning effort.
Serhiy Lishchuk
(210-C/F-82, agency:
Beo Basket) replied with 16 points for Ukraine.
Kyrylo Fesenko (213-C-86, agency:
Arik Krayn Services) and
Viacheslav Kravtsov
(212-C-87, agency:
Beo Basket) delivered 12 points apiece in the loss.
United Kingdom - Bosnia
94-85
Great Britain posted a vital win at the EuroBasket Qualifying
Round. They held off Bosnia and Herzegovina in thriller to stay
on top of Group B at 6-1 record. Bosnia and Herzegovina fell at
2-5 record in the ladder. Great Britain needs victory against
Ukraine in the final round of action to punch the ticket to
EuroBasket. The game in Liverpool turned into an exhausting
marathon for Great Britain. The lead changed hands for several
times throughout the opening quarter.
Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency:
Arik Krayn Services, college:
Duke) capped the quarter with two free throws to level
things up at 15. Great Britain cleared off to an 8-point
distance late in the second quarter. But the visitors crowned
the half with three points in a row to narrow the margin at
3-point mark 36:39.
Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency:
Beo Basket) and Nesovic opened the third term with
back-to-back triples as Bosnia and Herzegovina surged ahead. The
hosts quickly bounced back and rolled to a 64:57 lead into the
fourth quarter.
Henry Domercant
(192-G-80, college:
E.Illinois) helped Bosnia and Herzegovina erase the deficit
early in the fourth stanza. Bosnia and Herzegovina accumulated
an 81:78 lead with one minute to go in regulation. But
Luol Deng and
Pops Mensah-Bonsu
(206-F-83, agency:
SportsTalent, college:
George Washington) knocked down three free throws in the
remaining seconds and forced overtime. The home team unloaded
ten points in a row in the extra frame to clear off for good.
Bosnia and Herzegovina never answered and had to surrender at
the end.
Luol Deng exploded with 38 points and 13 boards for Great
Britain.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu had 32 points and 21 rebounds for the
winning side.
Ratko Varda (216-C/F-79) and
Henry Domercant replied with 21 points each for Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
Kenan Bajramovic netted 16 points in the loss.
Group C
Portugal - Georgia
57-80
Georgia ensured a road win over Portugal. The success propelled
the team to a 4-3 record in EuroBasket Qualifying Round Group D.
Portugal slipped at 1-7 record and wrapped up their campaign at
the 5th place in the ladder. Georgia tipped off the game with
seven points in a row. Soon
George Tsintsadze
(192-G-86) opened a double-digit lead for the visitors 13:3. The
visitors maintained the lead and posted a 22:8 buffer after ten
minutes. Georgia started the second frame with four straight
points to enlarge the advantage. Portugal could not pick up the
slack as they trailed by 17 points at halftime 23:40. The hosts
managed to get within 9 points midway through the third quarter.
However Markoishvili gave Georgia a 55:45 advantage at the final
break. Fernandes and
Miguel Miranda
(205-F-78) dragged the home team within 6 points early in the
fourth stanza. However Georgia responded with 13 consecutive
points and ran away with a comfortable win at the end.
Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) came up with 18 points and 12
rebounds for Georgia.
Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) added 13 points in the victory.
Miguel Miranda answered with 20 points and 8 rebounds for
Portugal.
Pedro Pinto (186-G-88) finished with 10 points each in the
loss.
Bulgaria - Belgium
92-81
Bulgaria remained alive in the race for the EuroBasket direct
qualification. They held off Belgium to improve at 4-3 record in
Group C.
Filip Videnov
(196-F/G-80, agency:
Interperformances, college:
W.Kentucky) produced 18 points, 6 boards and 3 assists for
the winners. Belgium fell at 5-2 record after the defeat. The
lead changed hands for several times throughout the opening
frame. Finally Bulgaria unleashed an 18:3 run to take a 24:13
lead. Chavdar Kostov and
Stefan Georgiev
(206-C/F-78) drained two trebles early in the second quarter as
Bulgaria boosted the margin. The hosts maintained the advantage
and rallied to a 52:42 cushion at halftime.
Marcus Faison
(196-G-78, agency:
Lanshire Group, college:
Siena) opened the second half with five points in a row as
Belgium pulled closer. But Bulgaria quickly regained control and
kept their opponents at bay. The hosts entered the fourth
quarter up by 16 points 73:57. Muya and
Marcus Faison sparked the intrigue as they dragged the
visitors within 7 points midway through the final quarter.
However Velikov notched a treble and Bulgaria eased to the win
at the end.
Stefan Georgiev nailed 12 points for Bulgaria.
Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88) added 11 points in the victory.
Dimitri Lauwers
(187-G-79) replied with 21 points for Belgium.
Marcus Faison had 16 points in the loss.
Day: 8 (Qualifying Round) - Aug.
23, 2010
Group A
Latvia - Israel
56-92
Israel had little problems en route to the fourth win at the
EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They shot down Latvia on the road.
Guy Pnini
(201-G/F-83, agency:
Arik Krayn Services) stepped up with 14 points to lead
well-balanced effort from the visitors. Israel thus climbed at
4-2 record, while dropping Latvia at 2-5 in Group A. Latvia
ensured a brave start to the game. They led 9:2 early in the
encounter and maintained the advantage for the bigger part of
the quarter. But Israel capped the term with 11 points in a row
to earn an 18:15 lead. Burstein and Green notched five free
throws to boost the lead for the visitors early in the second
quarter. Israel exploded with 36 points in the quarter to
accumulate a comfortable 54:26 advantage at the interval.
Guy Pnini and
Omri Casspi
(204-F/G-88, agency:
Interperformances) stretched the lead at 30-point mark
midway through the third stanza. Israel dominated as they
arrived at the final pause up by as many as 27 points 68:41.
Latvia showed no signs of recovery in the fourth quarter and
surrendered at the end.
David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college:
USC) and
Omri Casspi scored 12 points apiece for Israel.
Yuval Naimy
(188-G-85, agency:
Arik Krayn Services) and
Lior Eliyahu
(207-F-85, agency:
ZAG Advocates) finished with 11 points each in the victory.
Andrejs Selakovs
(210-C-88) replied with 14 points and 6 boards for Latvia.
Rolands Freimanis (208-F-88, agency:
Players Group) had 12 points and 7 caroms in the loss.
Finland - Italy
83-85
Italy survived some tense moments late in regulation to escape
with a narrow road win over Finland.
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) and
Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) teamed up for 47 points to ensure
the victory. Italy improved at 4-3 record, while Finland slipped
at 1-5 in Group A of the EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Finland
opened the game with an 8:3 run. Italy soon went on an 8:0 rally
to surge in front. The visitors ensured a 19:18 lead ten minutes
into the game. The Azzurri tipped off the second frame on a 12:1
run to clear off. Italy established a confident 48:30 advantage
at halftime.
Teemu Rannikko
(189-G-80) and
Sasu Salin
(190-G-91) connected from beyond the arc to organize an 8:0
rally from the hosts as they got within 5 points midway through
the third quarter. Italy stayed in the drivers seat posting a
65:59 advantage at the final break.
Teemu Rannikko hit a pair of three-pointers to put Finland
as close as one with under four minutes to go.
Teemu Rannikko then hit two free throws to put Finland in
charge 76:75. Jacopo Giachetti and
Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84, college:
Valparaiso) exchanged a pair of freebies as Finland remained
in front. But then Makalainen missed two from the stripe, while
Giacheti and
Andrea Bargnani accounted for three free throws to put Italy
back in charge.
Sasu Salin hit a three-pointer to give hope for Finland
however
Marco Belinelli unloaded 5 points in a row and sealed the
win for Italy.
Andrea Bargnani scored 24 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for
Italy.
Marco Belinelli added 23 points and 7 rebounds in the win.
Teemu Rannikko replied with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 6
assists for Finland.
Shawn Huff and
Sasu Salin answered with 16 points apiece in the loss.
Group B
FYR Macedonia - United Kingdom
75-56
FYR Macedonia posted the fifth win at the EuroBasket Qualifying
Round. They held off Great Britain to improve at 5-2 record on
top of Group B. Great Britain suffered the first defeat at the
tournament and slipped at 5-1 record.
Lester McCalebb
(183-G-85, college:
New Orleans) paced the hosts with 20 points. Great Britain
led for some time in the opening quarter. But FYR Macedonia
capped the period on a 12:3 run to grab a 22:14 advantage.
Sokolov drained a pair of three-pointers to give the hosts a
36:23 lead midway through the second quarter. FYR Macedonia did
not slow down as they recorded a 43:27 lead at halftime. The
hosts kept Great Britain at bay throughout the third stanza. FYR
Macedonia ensured a 20-point buffer heading into the final
quarter. Great Britain could not pick up the slack and avoid
inevitability in the final frame.
Predrag Samardziski
(214-C-86, agency:
Interperformances) finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds
for the hosts.
Todor Gechevski
(209-C-77, agency:
Interperformances) added 11 points for FYR Macedonia.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu
(206-F-83, agency:
SportsTalent, college:
George Washington) replied with 17 points and 13 boards for
Great Britain.
Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency:
Arik Krayn Services, college:
Duke) finished with 14 points and 9 caroms in the loss.
Bosnia - Hungary
73-64
Bosnia and Herzegovina posted a confident home win over Hungary
at the EuroBasket Qualifying Round.
Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency:
Beo Basket) accounted for 19 points and 7 rebounds to lead
the hosts to the win in Sarajevo. Bosnia and Herzegovina
improved at 2-4 record, while Hungary fell at 2-5 record in
Group B. Bosnia and Herzegovina opened the game with four points
in a row to set the tone. The hosts looked much more determined
than in the previous game against Ukraine and recorded a 24:15
lead at the first break. Things did not get any better for
Hungary in the second quarter. The home team marched confidently
as they recorded a 44:33 halftime advantage.
Henry Domercant
(192-G-80, college:
E.Illinois) and
Nihad Dedovic
(196-F-90) boosted the lead at the beginning of the third
quarter. Bosnia and Herzegovina entered the fourth quarter up by
12 points 60:48.
Marton Fodor
(191-G-81, agency:
Laszlo Vinko Services) dragged the visitors within 7 points
midway through the final term. But
Kenan Bajramovic hit a timely three-pointer and the hosts
coasted to the win at the end.
Ratko Varda (216-C/F-79) and
Henry Domercant produced 15 points each for Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
Nihad Dedovic finished with 12 points in the win.
Marton Fodor replied with 14 points for Hungary.
Adam Hanga
(201-G-89, agency:
FCM) netted 11 points in the loss.
Group C
Poland - Bulgaria
75-71
Poland rejuvenated their EuroBasket ambitions with a home win
over Bulgaria. The victory propelled Poland at 4-3 record in
Group D. Bulgaria slipped at 3-3.
Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) stepped up with 23 points and 9
rebounds to lead the hosts. The lead changed hands for several
times throughout close opening quarter. Berisha capped it with a
jumper as Poland grabbed an 18:16 lead. Chanas organized a 10:2
run from the hosts as they built a 28:20 lead midway through the
second quarter. Koszarek soon opened a double-digit advantage
for Poland. The home team established a 38:30 lead at halftime.
Marcin Gortat tipped off the second half with four points in
a row to keep Poland rolling. However
Chavdar Kostov (196-G-88, agency:
Interperformances), Earl Calloway and Ivanov dragged
Bulgaria within just four points 40:44. Bulgaria trailed by six
points 47:53 at the final pause.
Lukasz Majewski
(199-F-82) drained two trebles at the start of the fourth
quarter to give the home team some breathing space. Bulgaria
refused to give up as
Filip Videnov
(196-F/G-80, agency:
Interperformances, college:
W.Kentucky) dragged the visitors within 4 points 57:61.
Filip Videnov soon narrowed the deficit at just 2-point
mark. Ivanov and
Chavdar Kostov trimmed the distance to a single point with
36 seconds to go in regulation. But Thomas Kelati drained a key
three-pointer and Poland iced the victory.
Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) provided 15 points for Poland.
Lukasz Majewski netted 11 points for the winners.
Filip Videnov notched 21 points and 9 rebounds for Bulgaria.
Chavdar Kostov added 14 points in the loss.
Belgium - Portugal
68-63
Belgium worked hard to post a narrow home win over Portugal at
the EuroBasket Qualifying Round. The victory allowed the hosts
to climb at 5-1 record in Group D. Portugal suffered the 6th
defeat in seven games played.
Sam Van Rossom
(188-G-86) accounted for 14 points to pace the effort. Portugal
silenced the Belgian supporters with eight points in a row at
the start of the game. But Belgium recovered late in the period
and capped it with seven straight points to gain an 18:15 lead.
Belgium maintained the lead throughout low-scoring second
quarter. The hosts posted a 29:26 advantage at the interval.
Sam Van Rossom and
Marcus Faison
(196-G-78, agency:
Lanshire Group, college:
Siena) exploded with three-pointers to ensure a 9-point lead
for Belgium midway through the third term. Portugal narrowed the
distance and trailed by just four points at the final break
46:50.
Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, college:
Queens (NC)) opened the final quarter with a trey to drag
Portugal even closer. The visitors unleashed a 6:0 run midway
through the stanza to take a 61:60 lead. But Belgium survived
the challenge as Sam Vas Rosson and
Marcus Faison notched 6 consecutive points to seal the
winning outcome.
Marcus Faison nailed 13 points for Belgium.
Axel Hervelle
(205-F-83) provided 11 points for the winning team.
Heshimu Evans (198-F-75, college:
Kentucky) replied with 25 points and 9 rebounds for
Portugal.
Carlos Andrade accounted for 20 points in the loss.
Div. B Day: 4 (Regular Season) - Aug.
22, 2010
Group A
Holland - Estonia
90-76
The Dutch side is perfect in Group A in Division B of European
Championship. The team overcame Estonia 90:76 in Almere for 3-0
record on top of the group.
Henk Norel
(212-F/C-87) opened the game with a hook shot and Smeulders
scored for 11:9. Jansen brought 19:11, while Defares made two
free throws at 24:11. Akerboom nailed three at 29:16 closing the
period. Talts scored from the perimeter and Veideman posted
three for 32:25. Sokk scored another three-pointer for 36:31,
but Wessels increased the lead to 48:35.
Henk Norel made the last free throw at the end of the second
period for 49:35. Keerles cut it to 51:44, while Sokk brought
54:49. Holland created a 10-0 run for 64:49 and
Henk Norel closed the frame at 68:53. It became clear about
the winner in the start of the last period when Elson increased
to 75:58.
Henk Norel gave the hosts 85:67 and Jansen posted three for
90:67. Veideman closed the game with a jump shot for 90:76.
Henk Norel finished the game with 21 points, 8 assists and 5
rebounds to further enhance his reputation. Jansen posted 15,
while Elson netted 12. Talts ended up with 22 points and 10
rebounds, while Sokk scored 19. Veideman notched 15 and Kangur
posted 11.
Luxembourg - Austria
72-103
Austria won over Luxembourg for 2-1 record in Group A of
Eurobasket Division B games. Austria registered 103:72 win as
five players reached double digits. Four times the teams weer
tied in the opening quarter as Austria needed to take 23:18
after Detrick nailed a three at the end of the first quarter. He
also nailed another one to open the second frame and Lamesic
scored for 30:18. Nagler increased the lead to 38:22, while
Ochsenhofer delivered for 41:25. Schumacher closed the first
halk at 47:33 making two free throws. Birenbaum reduced to
47:36, but the guests again went on a bigger lead. Mahalbasic
made it 54:36 and Lanegger brought 62:38. Detrick with a lay-up
closed the third period at 75:51. Mahalbasic brought the first
points for the winners in the last stanza and Detrick scored for
83:60. Lanegger stepped up at the free throw line with 2 minutes
in the game to bring three-digit number. Schreiner nailed three
at the end of the game for 103:72 on the board. Detrick paced
all the winners with 19 points, while Nagler and
Heinz Kugerl
(211-C-86) chipped in 18 each. Mahalbasic ended up with 15
points for the win. Schumacher finished the night with 26 points
for the hosts as Luxembourg fell at 0-3. Rajniak poured in 21and
Birenbaum added 10.
Group B
Belarus - Romania
79-80
Romania posted the third win at the European Championship
Division B. They nipped Belarus in Minsk to improve at 3-1
record in Group B. Belarus slipped at 1-3 record after the
defeat. Romania shocked the hosts with an 8:0 start of the game.
Romania maintained the lead and recorded a 19:16 advantage ten
minutes into the encounter. But Pavel Ulyanko and Kuzmin hit a
bunch of three-pointers to put the home team in charge 34:24
midway through the second term. Belarus kept in front and posted
a 47:35 advantage at halftime. Belarus rolled confidently but
Romania managed to recover. They capped the third stanza on a
15:4 run to narrow the deficit at just two points 53:55. Vlad
Moldoveanu drew things level at 61 with a three-pointer.
Mihai Silvasan
(200-F-85, agency:
Court Side) came up with another treble as Romania regained
the lead. The teams exchanged baskets and Belarus were up by two
79:77 after two free throws from Kuzmin. But Dumitrescu hit a
buzzer-beating trey to win the game for Romania. Vlad Moldoveanu
accounted for 16 points for Romania.
Mihai Silvasan added 15 points, while Andrei Capusan had 13
points in the win. Pavel Ulyanko responded with 17 points, 8
rebounds and 4 assists for Belarus. Aliaksandr Pustahvar had 15
points in the loss.
Azerbaijan-Sweden 79:101 Sweden handed Azerbaijan their first loss in Baku. The
Scandinavian team needed 101:79 win as both teams share the top.
Sweden and Azerbaijan will head into next summer's EuroBasket
Division B campaign as the teams in the competition with 3-1
records.
Sweden created a 7-0 run in the start and Ringstrom increased to
18:9.
Jonas Jerebko (206-F-87) scored for 28:19, while
Aleksandr Rindin (225-C-85, agency:
Interperformances) closed the period at 28:21. Baku enjoyed
the second period in the court as the hosts started to reduce.
Rasim Bashak (202-F-80, agency:
Court Side) scored for 40:33, while Hamzayev tied the game
at 40:40. Ringstrom sent the teams to the lockers at 41:41.
Rasim Bashak and Azerbaijan tasted 44:41 lead and then
Aleksandr Rindin posted two for 46:43. Sweden however took
the advantage at the end of the period and Pahlmblad closed it
at 66:56. The last quarter was a disaster for the hosts that
failed with 17-35. The NBAer
Jonas Jerebko shined for the Swedish side and brought the
win in the game. Saks was the last to score in the game for the
final victory. Jonas Jerebko erupted with 35 points for the winners, while
Anton Saks (200-G-89) added 20.
Martin Pahlmblad
(193-G-86) and
Rudy Mbemba
(181-G-87) followed them with 12 points each.
Charles Davis
(202-F-84, college:
Alabama) exploded with 27 points for the hosts.
Aleksandr Rindin nailed 12, while
Rasim Bashak and
Tahir Bakhshiyev (200-F-82) netted 9 apiece.
Group C
Slovakia - Cyprus
85-58
Slovak Republic registered the win over Cyprus in Pezinok in
Group C of the European Championship in Division B. The home
side rolled over the opponents 85:58 due to the victories in all
the quarters. Rancik brought the first points for the hosts and
Gavel nailed three for 16:9.
Christodoulos Kaskiris
(206-C/F-79) drove a lay-up at the end of the period for 18:13.
Christodoulos Kaskiris also scored the first four points in
the second frame for 18:17, while the hosts created a 10-0 run.
Christodoulos Kaskiris later closed the half at 37:25 as
Slovak Republic won the frame 19-12. They also scored 19 points
int he third period and allowed the guests for just 11. Marko
made a jump shot to give his side 56:36 after 30 minutes. Rancik
delivered two for 60:36 and Trisokkas scored for 67:40. Sedmak
brought 83:52, while Razis made the final score in the game.
Rancik poured in 19 points for 2-1 record. Gavel followed him
with 15 and Sedmak scored 11. Razis produced 16 points in the
losing effort as Cyprus fell at 0-3. Trisokkas nailed 12 and
Sizopoulos added 11.
Switzerland - Czech Republic
92-99
Czech Republic maintained their perfect record in Group C of the
European Championship in Division B. They survived overtime
drama to tame Switzerland on the road.
Petr Benda
(203-F/C-82, agency:
Court Side) knocked down 25 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to
pace the visitors. Czech Republic posted a 13:6 lead midway
through the opening quarter. But Switzerland erased the deficit
and leveled things up at the first break 20:20. Oliver Vogt
opened the second quarter with a three-pointer to pus the Swiss
team in front. The hosts maintained the lead for some time but
Pavel Pumprla hit back-to-back trebles to give the visitors a
41:37 advantage late in the half. Czech Republic accumulated a
47:45 halftime lead. Switzerland opened the second half with
five points in a row to pull in charge. The lead changed for
several times throughout the third term before Pavel Slezak
capped it with a trey to ensure a 68:67 lead at the third break.
The visitors posted a 6-point lead with under four minutes
remaining. But Oliver Vogt and Greg Brunner finished regulation
with four points in a row to draw things level at 87. Houska and
Barton put Czech Republic in front 91:87 at the start of
overtime. Houska and
Petr Benda notched four straight points late in the extra
period and Czech Republic celebrated a hard-fought win at the
end. Pavel Slezak nailed 20 points for Czech Republic. Pavel
Pumprla contributed 17 points in the winning effort. Greg
Brunner responded with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for
Switzerland. Stefan Petkovic had 19 points and 7 assists in the
loss.
Day: 7 (Qualifying Round) - Aug.
20, 2010
Group A
Montenegro - Finland
91-71
Montenegro celebrated another win in Group A of the EuroBasket
Qualifying Round. The leaders of the group improved to 5-1
record after 91:71 over Finland. Finland had a better start and
enjoyed 7:3 lead. The hosts however replied with 8-0 run and
grabbed 11:7 midway through the first period. Montenegro pushed
the tempo in the rest of the period and took 28:15 after 10
minutes. Dragicevic started the second period at 30:15 and
Nikola Pekovic
(210-C-86, agency:
Beo Basket) scored for 39:22. Montenegro also won the second
frame and had 52:37 at the halftime. Rannikko reduced to 52:39
and Kotti brought 55:41. Dragicevic increased the lead to 61:42,
while Dasic closed the quarter at 71:52. Muurinen and Rannikko
cut it to 73:56 as Finland tried hard to catch up with the
hosts. Montenegro won the last frame 20-19 to seal the fifth
win.
Ivan Koljevic
(186-G-84, agency:
BeoExcell) made a jump shot for the final success.
Nikola Pekovic erupted with 24 points for the winners, while
Dragicevic collected 21 points and 12 rebounds. Sehovic and
Ivan Koljevic followed them with 11 points each. Salin ended
up with 15 points and Lee posted 13. Italy - Latvia
109-93
Italy tied their record at 3-3 to remain alive for Eurobasket
2011. Italy won over Latvia in Bari 109:93 due to the great
performance of
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85). Latvia won the game in Riga
and started with the lead as Strelnieks nailed three for 4:1.
Bankevics gave them the last advantage, while
Andrea Bargnani scored for 17:13. Mancinelli closed the
opening quarter at 26:17 driving a lay-up. Mordente nailed three
for 29:19 and Giachetti made the same at 37:27. The hosts looked
awesome in the court and managed to post 32 points in the second
period. Ress scored from the perimeter for 58:41 at the
halftime.
Andrea Bargnani opened the third frame and Maestranzi netted
three for 73:52. Belinelli increased for 80:59 and Mordente
closed the period at 84:72. Again
Andrea Bargnani was the first in the frame and Belinelli
nailed three for 89:72. Giachetti gave Italy three digit number
at 100:83 making a free throw. Belinelli brought the last points
for Italy and Jeromanovs was the last to score in the game.
Andrea Bargnani erupted with 30 points and 13 rebounds,
while Belinelli netted 19. Giachetti followed them with 18 and
Mordente brought 10. Bankevics and Berzins ended up with 14
points in the losing effort as Latvia dropped at 2-4. Bertans
nailed 13 and Strelnieks added 12.
Group B
Hungary - FYR Macedonia
85-82
Hungary surprised F.Y.R. of Macedonia in Szolnok for 2-4 record
at the EuroBasket qualifying campaign. The hosts needed 27-10 to
keep the advantage for good for the total 85:82 success. Hanga
gave the hosts the first win and Antic tied the game at 7:7. The
latter also closed a 10-0 run to enjoy 23:11, while Mirakovski
closed the period with 25:13. The second quarter was a benefit
for Hungary that made a huge run. Fodor gave the hosts at 31:29,
whilst his last lay-up at the half brought 40:35. Hungary
continued their run in the third period and Keller gave them
54:40. Lorant nailed three for 60:51 when the teams finished
three quarters in the game. Hanga brought the hosts 65:54, but
F.Y.R. of Macedonia remained alive for the win.
Lester McCalebb
(183-G-85, college:
New Orleans) scored for 65:61 and Samardziski reduced to
68:65. Moreover
Lester McCalebb and Sokolov reduced to just one point, but
F.Y.R. of Macedonia could not step in front. Fodor scored two
free-throws at the very end for the surprising success. Hanga
led the way with 21 points for the second win. Lorant and
Horvath followed him with 19 and Fodor notched 15.
Lester McCalebb erupted with 35 points for the guests and
Antic collected 20 points and 13 rebounds. Ukraine - Bosnia
87-69
Ukraine edged Bosnia and Herzegovina in Dnepropetrovsk at the
EuroBasket Qualifying Round. An easy start allowed Ukraine to
post the second 87:69 win and to jump to the third place in the
group. Even without Pecherov Ukraine started with 8-0 run.
Another 10-0 run brought them 18:1 in the middle of the period.
Bavcic closed the opening quarter at 31:14 but Bosnia never
recovered in the game. Lishchuk scored for 35:19 and Agafonov
netted two for 45:34. Fesenko made a jump shot at the end of the
half to keep Ukraine in front at 52:37. With 5-0 run the hosts
opened the third frame and reached 57:37. Nesovic cut it to
59:46 and
Henry Domercant
(192-G-80, college:
E.Illinois) nailed three for 68:55. In the beginning of the
last quarter Bosnia reduced to 77:69, but Ukraine finished the
game on a high note. They kept the guests scoreless for about 4
minutes and ended up with another 10-0 run. Pustozvonov
top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Fesenko added 15.
Lishchuk posted 14, while Agafonov nailed 13.
Henry Domercant responded with 20 points in the losing
effort as Bosnia dropped to 1-4 record. Nesovic and Bajramovic
notched 11 each in defeat.
Group C
Georgia - Belgium
63-86
Belgium steps closer to Eurobasket 2011 after a road trip from
Tbilisi. The favorites overcame Georgia 86:63 in Group C in the
EuroBasket qualifying for 4-1 record on top. About 10000 fans
were glad to see 7-0 run in the game for the hosts. Shengelia
made it 9:2 and Green Taurean scored for 14:10. Tsintsadze kept
Georgia in front at the end of the first period at 18:15. Van
Der Jonckheyd and
Christophe Beghin
(207-F-80, agency:
Court Side) tied the game, while Lauwers brought 26:25 for
the guests. Tabu-Eboma led them to 36:29 at the end of the first
half. Belgium started to push the tempo in the third period and
dominated the court.
Christophe Beghin gave them 46:34, while Faison Marcus
delivered two for 55:42. Van Den Spiegel closed the third period
at 65:46 as Belgium won the frame 29-17. Van Den Spiegel and Van
Rossom scored for 72:53 and
Axel Hervelle
(205-F-83) added for 83:59. Lauwers made a jump shot at the very
end for the 4th win in Group C. Faison Marcus paced all the
winners with 16 points and
Axel Hervelle as well as
Christophe Beghin poured in 15 each. Van Rossom Sam followed
them with 13 points in a win. Green Taurean and Pachulia Zaza
netted 11 points apiece in the losing effort.
Portugal - Poland
85-84
Portugal recorded the first win at the EuroBasket Qualifying
Round. They held off Poland in overtime drama to improve at 1-5
record in Group C. Poland slipped at 3-3 record. It was a tough
start from both sides and they exchanged the lead several times.
Santos brought the hosts 10:8, while Marcin Gortat tied it at
10:10. Kelati nailed three for 19:16 at the end of the first
period as Portugal managed to win the frame. Carlos Andrade
increased to 21:16 and Miguel Miranda shocked Poland at 24:16.
Santos nailed another three for 31:25 and Evans added for 34:25.
Santos again shocked the guests with a three for 37:28 halftime
advantage with the home side. In the third period Poland started
to reduce.
Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) brought the guests to 40:35 and
Lukasz Koszarek posted three for 40:38.
Maciej Lampe scored again four points in a row to pull
Poland back to 43:42. Lukasz Koszarek again followed him from
the perimeter shot for 47:45. Marcin Gortat gave Poland 48:47
lead and
Dardan Berisha
(192-G-88, agency:
Global Sports Plaza) added three for 53:49. Evans Heshimu
tied the game at 53:53, while Lukasz Koszarek netted two for
57:56. Santos made two free throws for 58:57 with Portugal and
Evans made a dunk for 60:57 with 6 minutes in the game. Miguel
Miranda nailed another three and Carlos Andrade scored for
66:59. Portugal did not even think of slowing down and Miguel
Miranda brought 70:63 with 3 minutes in the quarter. Marcin
Gortat reduced to 71:65 with 90 seconds and Miguel Miranda
scored two free throws for 73:65.
Maciej Lampe immediately responded from the perimeter for
73:68, while Kelati cut it to 74:70. Lukasz Koszarek fired three
for 74:73 with 5 seconds in the game and Poland fouled
immediately. Carlos Andrade his just one free throw and
Dardan Berisha punished the hosts hitting a jumper and
sending the game into overtime. But Portugal survived the test.
Minhava opened the extra frame with four points in a row.
Dardan Berisha and Marcin Gortat gave Poland an 80:79
advantage however Miguel Miranda and Minhava ensured a 84:80
lead for Portugal.
Maciej Lampe and Kelati drew things level at 84 before
Marcin Gortat fouled on
David Gomes (200-F-86) and the centre sealed the win from
the stripe.
Day: 6 (Qualifying Round) - Aug.
17, 2010
Group A
Israel - Italy
76-81
Italy remains alive after the road win in Tel Aviv at the
EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Italy needed 81:76 over Israel in
Group A to improve to 2-3 record. With no more chances in case
of the loss, Italy started with 8-0 run. Halperin reduced to
8:5, while Eliyahu made 19:14. Casspi nailed three for 22:17 at
the end of the period. Mordente replied with a three for 25:20
and Burstein tied it at 25:25. Israel trailed in the whole
period later and Italy went on a bigger lead at the end of the
half. Belinelli closed the half at 48:39 when Italy won the
period 26-22.
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) increased to 55:41, while
Andrea Bargnani brought 66:52. Israel reduced to 69:60 after
6-0 run in the end of the frame. Belinelli gave Italy 76:65 and
it seemed the victory would be easy. Eliyahu however brought
Israel within three points and Casspi made 78:75. Maestranzi and
Belinelli brought the last points from the free throw line for
the final success.
Andrea Bargnani top-scored for the winners with 26 points
for 2-3 record. Belinelli nailed 14, while Maestranzi posted 11.
Casspi responded with 20 points and 10 rebounds as Israel
dropped to 3-2. Eliyahu netted 19, while Halperin scored 15. Latvia - Montenegro
84-90
Montenegro becomes the only leader of Group A as they stole a
road victory from Latvia in Riga. Montenegro improved to 4-1
record beating the Latvian side 90:84 in the capital. Ainars
Bagatskis's team tried hard in the home game of the EuroBasket
2011 qualifying campaign on Tuesday. They wanted to revenge for
66:96 in the first meeting between the two teams. Montenegro
surprised the hosts with 7-0 in the start of the game, while
Grafs reduced to 14:11. Pekovic however made two free throws for
25:19 at the end of the frame. Cook nailed three for 33:26 and
Sehovic increased to 40:30. Freimanis cut it to 43:40 and
Sehovic nailed three to sent the teams to the lockers at 47:40.
Vranes opened the third period at 49:40 and Dasic brought 59:45.
Latvia still was too far to give up and Berzins scored fro
60:55. Cook remained the guests in front at 63:60 after three
quarters. Berzins scored for 63:63 but it was all the hosts
could do. Borisov brought the guests 84:69, but Latvia cut it to
some points. Drobnjak made two free throws at the end for 90:84
win.
Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) paced all the winners with
24 points and Pekovic nailed 16. Dasic, Sehovic and Cook
followed them with 9 apiece. Kuksiks finished the game with 22
points in the losing effort, while Strelnieks and Berzins added
13 each.
Group B
United Kingdom - Hungary
66-64
Great Britain overcame Hungary in the EuroBasket 2011 qualifying
campaign on Tuesday. The team escaped a narrow 66:64 win for
perfect 5-0 record on top of Group B. As it was expected Great
Britain started with 19:11 after the first quarter. Moreover the
team added another 18-11 in the second period for 37:22
advantage at the halftime. Mensah closed the third period at
58:47 and it seemed the victory would not be difficult.
Nate Reinking
(188-G-73, college:
Kent St.) scored from the perimeter to give the hosts 61:48,
while another lay-up from the player showed 63:48 on the board.
Hungary however did not give up and responded with 13-0 run.
Molnar pulled his side back to 63:61 with almost three minutes
in the game. Moreover Hanga tied the game at 64:64 to shock the
favorites. Mensah scored only one free throw for 65:64 and Deng
scored also one from the line. Horvath had a chance to tie the
game but missed his shot.
Nate Reinking paced all the winners with 17 points for the
perfect record, while Mensah collected 15 points and 17
rebounds. Deng followed them with 13 and Clark scored 8. Lorant
finished the night with 17 points and 11 rebounds as Hungary
fell at 1-4. Horvath posted 14 and Fodor added 10. FYR Macedonia - Ukraine
71-55
F.Y.R. of Macedonia continues to follow Great Britain for the
top place in Group B of the EuroBasket 2011 qualifying campaign.
The team won over Ukraine 71:55 in Skopje as the guests lost all
the chances to advance. More than 7000 fans came to support
their team for the 4th victory in the tournament. After the win
in Ukraine, F.Y.R. of Macedonia proved again the difference
winning all the quarters in the game. A 7-0 run midway through
the opening quarter gave them 15:10 lead, while Antic nailed
three to close the quarter at 21:19. Lukashov bounced back with
the shot from the perimeter for 22:21 and then Ukraine had to
follow the hosts. McCalebb gave them 30:25 and Gechevski sent
the teams to the lockers for 35:29.
Predrag Samardziski
(214-C-86, agency:
Interperformances) increased to 46:35 and Sokolov nailed
three for 51:39. Stojanovski was the last to score at the end of
the frame for 53:41 lead. Ukraine tried hard to reduce but
F.Y.R. of Macedonia continued to push the tempo. After 18-14 in
the last stanza they reached the necessary victory.
Predrag Samardziski brought the last points for the hosts
that improved to 4-1 record. McCalebb stepped up with 18 points
for the hosts and Antic nailed 16. Gechevski netted 13, while
Predrag Samardziski posted 10. Lishchuk ended up with 11
points in the losing case, while Pecherov and Lukashov netted 10
apiece.
Group C
Bulgaria - Portugal
103-64
Bulgaria won the third game of the qualification for the
EuroBasket 2011 and improved to 3-2 record. Sofia saw an easy
win over Portugal 103:64 as the latter fell at 0-5. Bulgaria
started strong and scored the first 8 points in the game. After
another 13-1 run the hosts enjoyed 21:2 advantage. Velikov
closed the period from the free throw line for 33:11. Andrade
opened the second period and Miranda reduced to 39:22. Georgiev
and
Filip Videnov
(196-F/G-80, agency:
Interperformances, college:
W.Kentucky) brought 47:28, while Georgiev scored for 51:32.
Portugal looked better in the second period and after 25-24 in
the quarter Evans reduced to 57:36 at the halftime. The third
period became defensive in the game as Portugal tried hard to
recover and the hosts kept the advantage. After 14-12 in the
frame Bulgaria reached 71:48. Georgiev closed a 9-0 run for
80:48, while Kostov gave the hosts 84:53. Bulgaria did not even
think of slowing down and desired three digits on the board.
Avramov made it 100:64 with 37 seconds in the game and he also
scored three for the final success.
Filip Videnov paced all the winners with 15 points, while
Kostov and Varbanov notched 13 apiece. Ivanov and Georgiev ended
up with 11 points each in a win. Evans poured in 16 points in
the losing effort. Andrade netted 15 and Miranda scored 11. Poland - Georgia
67-58
Poland celebrated a very important victory in Group C of
EuroBasket Qualifying Round. Poland won over Georgia 67:58 as
three teams now with 3-2 record share the top positions in the
group, while Belgium is with 3-1 record. Pachulia was miserable
from the field and scored only 1/10 shots. That was one of the
reasons of Georgian loss that trailed 8:12 after 10 minutes. A
6-0 run midway through the second period brought the hosts
22:13, while Hrycaniuk scored for 27:17. Poland won the frame
23-17 as Koszarek closed the half at 35:25.
Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) gave Poland 37:25 in the start of
the second period and Dylewicz brought 47:34. Shermadini made
two free throws at the end of the period for 47:36 after three
quarters. Poland opened the last frame with 5-0 run and remained
Georgia scoreless in the first three minutes. Lampe scored for
54:42 and Green kept the guests alive at 62:54. He also scored
the last points in the game but it was enough only for 67:58.
Marcin Gortat led the way with 17 points for the winners.
Lampe netted 14, whilst Koszarek notched 13. Markoishvili
responded with 19 points in the second loss of his team. Green
and Sanikidze delivered 9 points each in defeat.
Div. B Day: 3 (Qualifying Round) - Aug.
17, 2010
Group A
Estonia - Luxembourg
93-69
Strong second half propelled Estonia to a confident win over
Luxembourg in Tallinn. Estonia posted the first victory at the
European Championship in Division B Qualifying Round. The
winners improved at 1-1 record, while Luxembourg slipped at 0-2
in Group A.
Joosep Toome (202-F-85) led the effort with 18 points and 7
rebounds. Estonia grabbed a 9:2 lead early in the game. They
maintained the lead and ensured a 21:12 buffer at the first
break. Luxembourg recovered in the second frame. They went on a
16:2 run midway through the period and grabbed a 30:26 lead.
Joosep Toome helped Estonia retain the advantage and they
were up 33:32 at halftime.
Janar Talts (205-C-83) and
Kristjan Kangur
(202-F-82) organized a 7:0 run from Estonia at the start of the
third term as they cleared off. The hosts unleashed 31 points in
the quarter to record a comfortable 64:46 advantage at the third
break. Luxembourg never came back to life in the fourth period
and Estonia eased to the victory at the end.
Janar Talts and
Kristjan Kangur scored 13 points each for Estonia. Sokk
netted 12 points in the winning case.
Samy Picard (195-F-88) replied with 21 points and 12 boards
for Luxembourg.
Tom Schumacher (190-G/F-87, college:
Cal.Baptist) finished with 19 points in the loss. Holland - Austria
63-60
Netherlands recorded the second straight win at the start of the
European championship in Division B qualifiers. The Dutch team
held off Austria to improve at 2-0 record in Group A. Austria
slipped at 1-1 record after the defeat. Henk Norel was once
again productive with 25 points, 14 boards and 3 assists for
Netherlands.
Christoph Nagler
(194-G-84) helped Austria to a brave start. His back-to-back
trebles midway through the opening frame allowed the visitors to
post a 20:13 lead. Austria won the frame 22:16. Mayer opened the
second term with a three-pointer to boost the lead. Austria
maintained the advantage before the hosts went on a 10:2 run to
trim the deficit.
Rasid Mahalbasic
(210-F/C-90) knocked down 6 points for Austria as they earned a
44:31 lead at halftime. Netherlands capped the third quarter on
a 7:2 rally to trail by seven points at the final intermission
43:50.
Rasid Mahalbasic scored the first points of the fourth term
but
David Jansen
(188-G-84, agency:
Court Side) and Voom replied with two trebles and the hosts
unleashed a 10:0 spurt to surge ahead 53:52.
Christoph Nagler and Lanegger returned the advantage for
Austria and the teams traded the lead for some time.
David Jansen hit a three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining
to provide Netherlands with a 63:60 lead.
Christoph Nagler missed his long-range attempt and the hosts
iced the victory.
David Jansen notched 13 points for Netherlands.
Robin Smeulders (208-F-87, college:
Portland) added 12 points and 8 rebounds in the victory.
Rasid Mahalbasic replied with 18 points and 11 rebounds for
Austria.
Christoph Nagler had 15 points in the loss.
Group B
Sweden - Albania
111-64
Sweden recorded the second win at the European championship in
Division B. They thrashed Albania in Norrkoping to improve at
2-1 record in Group B. Albania in the meantime suffered the
fourth straight loss at the tournament. Sweden used a 19:3 run
in the opening quarter to take a 27:11 lead. Sweden finished the
starting frame up by 13 points 29:16. Albania got within 11
points in the second quarter and later
Eni Cuka
(188-G-86, college:
Niagara) put the visitors as close as 9 points. However
Jonas Jerebko (206-F-87) and Joakim Kjellbom ensured a 54:42
buffer for Sweden at halftime. The hosts tipped off the second
half with a 10:3 rally. Sweden unleashed 32 points in the third
term to accumulate a massive 86:55 advantage at the final
intermission. The home team opened the final stanza with nine
points in a row and never looked back en route to the victory.
Jonas Jerebko tallied 24 points, 14 boards and 7 assists for
Sweden.
Martin Pahlmblad
(193-G-86) added 19 points in the victory.
Erkand Karaj (188-G-82) replied with 18 points for Albania.
Eni Cuka netted 15 points in the loss. Romania - Azerbaijan
86-101
Azerbaijan recorded the third straight win at the start of the
European Championship in Division B Qualifiers. They upset
Romania in Timisoara to clear off on top of Group B.
Rasim Bashak (202-F-80, agency:
Court Side) came up with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 3
assists to pace Azerbaijan. Pashayev and Charles Davis opened
the game with back-to-back triples to set the tone. Azerbaijan
fired 24 points in the opening quarter and posted a 24:16 lead
ten minutes into the game. Moldoveanu dragged the home team
within just four points midway through the second quarter.
Titus Nicoara
(200-F-88, agency:
Interperformances) soon cut the deficit to a single point
35:36 but Charles Davis kept the visitors in charge. Azerbaijan
posted a 47:45 lead at halftime.
Rasim Bashak and
Fuad Niftaliyev (183-G-80) fired from beyond the arc early
in the third quarter as Azerbaijan got some breathing space.
They dominated throughout the period and enjoyed a 70:63 lead at
the final break.
Rasim Bashak opened the fourth frame with two trebles as the
margin grew at 13-point mark. Romania never came back to life
and had to give up at the end. Charles Davis tallied 24 points,
9 rebounds and 5 assists for Azerbaijan.
Fuad Niftaliyev accounted for 14 points and 8 assists in the
win.
Titus Nicoara replied with 21 points and 15 boards for
Romania.
Tudor Dumitrescu
(195-G-79) netted 17 points in the loss.
Group C
Switzerland - Slovakia
52-60
Slovak Republic opened win count at the European championship in
Division B. They toppled Switzerland away from home to climb at
1-1 record in Group C. Switzerland meanwhile suffered the first
defeat and slipped at 1-1. Buscaglia opened the scoring with a
three-pointer and Switzerland stayed in front in the starting
quarter. The hosts built a 20:17 lead ten minutes into the game.
However
Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, agency:
Beo Basket, college:
St.Cloud St.) opened the second period with four points in a
row to deny the deficit. The teams traded baskets throughout
close second term and the sides were tied at 29 at halftime.
Petkovic, Kazadi and Louissaint drained back-to-back
three-pointers midway through the third quarter to provide
Switzerland with a 43:35 lead. The home team established a 46:40
lead at the final break.
Martin Rancik
(204-F/C-78, college:
Iowa St.) stepped up for Slovak Republic in the fourth
quarter. He tipped it off with five consecutive points. Cervenka
and
Martin Rancik teamed up for back-to-back trebles as a part
of an 11:0 run from Slovak Republic as they posted a 60:50 lead
with 22 seconds remaining. Switzerland had no time to recover
and Slovak Republic celebrated the initial win.
Martin Rancik notched 17 points for Slovak Republic.
Radoslav Rancik added 12 points and 9 rebounds in the
victory.
Oliver Vogt
(209-C-80) replied with 15 points and 8 rebounds for
Switzerland.
Greg Brunner
(201-F-83, college:
Iowa) produced 11 points and 15 rebounds in the loss. Czech Republic - Cyprus
93-50
Czech Republic recorded the second straight win at the European
Championship in Division B. They knocked down Cyprus in Decin.
Pavel Slezak
(185-G-84) stepped up with 17 points to lead the hosts to 2-0
record in Group C. Cyprus dropped the second game in a row to
stay at the bottom of the ladder. Czech Republic dominated from
start to finish. They knocked down 23 points in the first
quarter and posted an 11-point buffer at the first intermission.
Czech Republic stayed in charge throughout the second term. They
ensured a 43:24 lead twenty minutes into the game. Cyprus found
no way to challenge the hosts after the big break. Moreover the
Czech team outgunned their opponents 29:12 in the third term and
ran away to a 36-point distance with ten minutes to go. Czech
Republic easily kept the visitors at bay in the fourth quarter
rallying to a comfortable win at the end.
Pavel Pumprla
(194-G-86) and
Lubos Barton (202-F/G-80, college:
Valparaiso) knocked down 13 points each for Czech Republic.
Houska, Pospisil, Benda and Bohacik all netted 9 points apiece
in the victory.
Panagiotis Trisokkas
(206-C-80) answered with 13 points for Cyprus.
Panagiotis Koutsoloukas (208-C-86) had 10 points in the
loss.
Div. B Day: 2 (Qualifying Round) - Aug.
14, 2010
Group A
Austria - Estonia
93-90
Austria opened the European championship in Division B
qualifiers with victory. They needed overtime to tame Estonia in
Group A opener.
Jason Detrick
(198-G-80, agency:
BrezoPro, college:
Oklahoma) knocked down 27 points to lead the hosts.
Janar Talts (205-C-83) helped Estonia to a 13:7 lead midway
through the opening quarter. But Austria gradually recovered as
they posted a 23:18 lead at the first intermission. The teams
stayed close throughout the second term. Austria managed to
remain on top as they entered the second half leading by six
points 46:40. Tamm and Toome notched six points in a row midway
through the third quarter to put Estonia in front.
Gregor Arbet
(194-F/G-83) capped the third term with three accurate free
throws as Estonia took a 60:59 advantage. The lead changed hands
throughout the tense fourth quarter. Sokk gave the visitors an
85:82 advantage with just over a minute remaining. Nagler
narrowed the deficit from the stripe and then
Jason Detrick had a chance to put the hosts in front. But he
knocked down just one of two freebies and the teams headed into
overtime. The teams exchanged baskets but
Stjepan Stazic
(199-G-78, agency:
World Sport Agency) and Lamesic notched four points late in
the extra period to seal the victory for Austria.
Stjepan Stazic tallied 17 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for
Austria. Rasid Mahalbasic added 13 points and 10 rebounds in the
victory.
Janar Talts responded with 21 points for Estonia.
Gregor Arbet and
Kristjan Kangur
(202-F-82) had 12 points each in the loss. Luxembourg - Holland
73-94
Netherlands cruised past Luxembourg in the European Championship
in Division B Qualifying Round. It was the opening game for both
teams and Netherlands claimed a comprehensive victory at the
end.
Henk Norel
(212-F/C-87) unloaded 34 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead
the visitors.
Kees Akerboom
(200-F-83, agency:
Court Side) notched 7 points in the starting quarter to give
a brave start for the Dutch team. They rallied to a 26:20
advantage at the first break.
Henk Norel and Hillman stretched the lead to 10 points early
in the second quarter. But Luxembourg managed to get within 6
points at halftime 37:43.
Martin Rajniak (204-F-78, college:
CSU Bakersfield) and
Tom Schumacher (190-G/F-87, college:
Cal.Baptist) narrowed the deficit at 4-point mark midway
through the third term. However
Henk Norel notched 8 points and helped Netherlands clear off
to a 69:58 advantage at the final intermission. Smeulders and
Kees Akerboom tipped off the fourth term with five points in
a row to boost the lead.
David Jansen
(188-G-84, agency:
Court Side) helped Netherlands to a 22-point buffer and they
never looked back en route to the victory.
Kees Akerboom finished with 16 points.
David Jansen accounted for 12 points in the victory.
Martin Rajniak notched 19 points for Luxembourg.
Tom Schumacher delivered 18 points in the loss.
Group B
Azerbaijan - Belarus
83-79
Azerbaijan recorded the second consecutive win at the start of
the European Championship in Division B Qualifying Round. The
Division B newcomers held off Belarus in Baku tonight. The
victory propelled Azerbaijan on top of Group B.
Charles Davis
(202-F-84, college:
Alabama) had another pivotal performance as he tallied 30
points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the hosts. Azerbaijan
exploded with 32 points in the starting frame to clear off. The
hosts accumulated a 12-point lead at the first break. Belarus
stopped the bleeding in the second term. The visitors got within
10 points at halftime 37:47. Azerbijan stressed defense after
the main break. They held the visitors to only 13 points in the
third term and entered the final quarter up by 15 points.
Belarus unloaded 29 points in the fourth stanza but came up just
short of victory at the end.
Fuad Niftaliyev (183-G-80) knocked down 24 points for
Azerbaijan.
Zaur Pashayev (186-G-83) had 10 points for the winners.
Aliaksandr Pustahvar (200-G/F-85) replied with 19 points for
Belarus.
Pavel Ulyanko
(204-F/C-79) notched 15 points in the loss. Albania - Romania
74-93
Romania recorded the second consecutive win at the start of
their European Championship in Division B campaign.
Mihai Silvasan
(200-F-85, agency:
Court Side) knocked down 17 points to lead Romania to a road
success against Albania. The winner remained on top of Group B
at 2-0 record. Albania suffered the third straight defeat at the
tournament. Romania led right from the start. They posted a
20:18 lead into the second quarter. Lasku opened the second
frame with four points in a row to put Albania in front. However
Mandache, Dumitrescu and
Mihai Silvasan all drained triples in an 11:2 run from
Romania as they grabbed 31:24 lead. Albania spurred ahead again
and they posted a 44:38 advantage at halftime.
Erkand Karaj (188-G-82) tipped off the third period with a
long bomb as the hosts accumulated a 47:38 advantage. Romania
woke up late in the period. They capped it with a 10:1 rally to
pull in front 62:59. Romania adjusted the tempo and erupted for
31 points in the final frame. Albania failed to match the effort
and suffered another defeat.
Titus Nicoara
(200-F-88, agency:
Interperformances) produced 16 points and 11 rebounds for
Romania.
Ionut Dragusin
(221-C-85) netted 13 points for the winners.
Erkand Karaj replied with 19 points for Romania.
Ermal Kuqo
(208-C-80, agency:
Beo Basket) netted 18 points in defeat.
Group C
Slovakia - Czech Republic
60-65
Czech Republic prevailed against Slovak Republic in the European
Championship in Division B first game for both teams.
Petr Benda
(203-F/C-82, agency:
Court Side) knocked down 15 points to lead the Czechs to the
first win in Group C. Marko set things rolling with a
three-pointer but Czech Republic gradually took over. The
visitors rallied to a 19:15 lead ten minutes into the game.
Pavel Pumprla
(194-G-86) knocked down 7 points in the second quarter helping
Czech Republic to stay in charge. The visitors established a
34:33 lead at the interval.
Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, agency:
Beo Basket, college:
St.Cloud St.) opened the second half with four points in a
row to put Slovak Republic in front. The lead then changed hands
for several times throughout the third quarter. But Houska and
Barton helped the Czech side earn a 55:50 lead at the third
break.
Petr Benda unloaded 6 consecutive points at the beginning of
the fourth term to enlarge the margin to 11 points. Slovak
Republic could not score a point for more than four starting
minutes of the frame. The hosts cut the distance to 6 points but
Czech Republic kept defensive integrity and eked out the victory
at the end.
Pavel Slezak
(185-G-84) notched 12 points for Czech Republic.
Pavel Pumprla accounted for 11 points in the victory.
Anton Gavel
(189-G-84, agency:
Pro One Sports) responded with 17 points for Slovak
Republic.
Radoslav Rancik had 13 points in the loss. Cyprus - Switzerland
67-70
Switzerland recorded the initial win at the European
Championship in Division B. They shocked Cyprus in Nicosia in
the opening round in Group C.
Oliver Vogt
(209-C-80) came up with 15 points and 6 rebounds to pace the
visitors. The lead changed hands for several times throughout
the starting frame. Switzerland posted a 14:11 lead at the first
intermission. Switzerland opened the second term with six points
in a row to grab a 20:11 advantage.
Oliver Vogt opened a double-digit lead midway through the
second quarter. Cyprus however got closer as
Alexandros Liatsos
(200-F-80, college:
Ohio) and Andreas Pilavas connected from beyond the arc to
drag the hosts within 5 points at halftime 27:32.
Greg Brunner
(201-F-83, college:
Iowa) and Buscaglia triggered a 7:0 run from the Swiss team
as they restored a safe buffer. Cyprus trailed by five points at
the final break 42:47.
Jonathan Kazadi (195-G-91) knocked down four straight points
at the start of the fourth term as Switzerland continued to
roll. They were up by 7 points with just 58 seconds left in
regulation. Sizopoulos and Palalas drained trebles as Cyprus cut
the deficit. But
Greg Brunner, Petkovic, Buscaglia and
Jonathan Kazadi notched 8 free throws in the dying seconds
to seal the victory for Switzerland.
Jonathan Kazadi notched 11 points and 7 boards for the
winners.
Greg Brunner accounted for 10 points and 11 rebounds for
Switzerland.
Panagiotis Trisokkas
(206-C-80) replied with 16 points and 9 boards for Cyprus.
Alexandros Liatsos netted 14 points in the loss.
Day: 5 (Qualifying Round) - Aug.
14, 2010
Group A
Israel - Montenegro
77-73
Israel held off Montenegro at the EuroBasket Qualifying Round.
Omri Casspi
(204-F/G-88, agency:
Interperformances) poured in 30 points as Israel recorded
the third win in Group A. Montenegro suffered the first loss and
slipped at 3-1 record.
Omri Casspi unloaded 15 points in the opening frame to set
the tone for Israel. They dropped 26 points but Montenegro tried
to match the challenge and trailed by just four points ten
minutes into the game 22:26. Montenegro went on an 8:0 run early
in the second quarter posting a 30:29 lead. The teams stayed
close and scoreboard read 40:40 at halftime. Goran Jeretin
helped Montenegro to a 47:40 advantage at the beginning of the
third term. Dasic gave the visitors an 8-point cushion but
Israel found the way to respond.
Omri Casspi knocked down a pair of three-pointers and the
hosts cut the deficit to 2 points at the final break 59:61.
Israel used a 5:0 run midway through the fourth quarter to jump
in front. Goran Jeretin answered with four points to turn things
around. But Yotam Halperin,
Omri Casspi and Guy Pnini ensured a 77:72 advantage for the
home team. Montenegro simply had no time for an answer and had
to yield. Lior Eliyahu netted 17 points for Israel. Yotam
Halperin added 10 points in the victory. Nikola Pekovic replied
with 20 points for Montenegro. Goran Jeretin nailed 16 points in
defeat. Latvia - Finland
87-67
Latvia improved to 2-2 record in the EuroBasket 2011 Qualifying
Round after another home win. The Baltic side cruised past
Finland 87:67 in Group A on Saturday. Finland went on a early
lead and Kotti made it 7:4.
Ingus Bankevics
(195-G/F-85, agency:
FCM) tied the game at 9:9, while Berzins later brought
27:10. Latvia finished the first period with 29:16 advantage and
never looked behind after. Jurevicus opened the second period
from the free throw line and Muurinen reduced to 40:23. Another
14-0 run allowed the hosts to take 54:23 with 2 minutes in the
period. Salin nailed three at the end of the period for 54:26 at
the halftime. Finland started to play better in the second half
and won the third and the last periods. After 21-17 in the third
frame the Scandinavian team reduced to 71:47. Huff and Salin
made it 71:52 and Virtanen made it 82:65. Huff made a dunk at
the every end but it helped Finland only to cut the gap.
Ingus Bankevics top-scored for the winners with 26 points
and 8 rebounds. Kuksiks nailed 15, whilst Zakis scored 12. Salin
delivered 15 points in the losing case as Finlad dropped at 1-3.
Kotti netted 13 and Koivisto added 12.
Group B
United Kingdom - Ukraine
90-76 Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency:
Arik Krayn Services, college:
Duke) keeps Great Britain perfect in Group B as his team won
over Ukraine 90:76 in the EuroBasket 2011 Qualifying Round.
Trailing in the first half the hosts won both periods in the
second and remained undefeated. Pecherov nailed three at the
very beginning and Lishchuk also scored from the perimeter for
10:7. Clark tied the game at 17:17 and
Luol Deng scored fro 24:25. Agafonov drove a lay-up for
27:24 after the first 10 minutes. The first minutes of the
second period belonged to the guests and Lishchuk gave Ukraien
their biggest lead at 40:29. Great Britain however responded
with 12-0 run for 41:40. Moreover they took 47:46 halftime
advantage after 23-19 in the frame. Pustozvonov netted two for
55:50 and Pecherov scored four in a row for 61:57. Adegboye
however tied it all at 64:64 after thirty minutes. An easy 26-12
run in the last frame answered for all the questions about the
winner. Agafonov remained Ukraine alive at 74:72 with 5 minutes
in the game, but the hosts erupted with 13-0 run and later
reached the necessary win.
Luol Deng erupted with 28 points and 7 rebounds, while
Mensah-Bonsu posted 15. Reinking nailed 14, while Clark added
13. Pustozvonov ended up with 18 points in the losing effort as
Ukraine dropped to 1-3. Lishchuk and Pecherov followed him with
13 points apiece. FYR Macedonia - Bosnia
70-56
F.Y.R. of Macedonia achieved a very important victory in Group B
of the EuroBasket 2011 Qualifying Round. The team improved to
3-1 record after 70:56 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in
Skopje. More than 7000 fans enjoyed the night in the capital,
while Bosnia dropped to 1-3 record. It was an easy start for the
hosts that opened the game with 8-0 run.
Lester McCalebb
(183-G-85, college:
New Orleans) made it 13:6 and Mirakovski nailed three for
23:9.
Lester McCalebb scored two free throws at the end of the
period for 28:12 after 10 minutes. Mirakovski and Gechevski
netted from the perimeter and
Lester McCalebb scored four in a row for 37:14. Domercant
reduced to 41:24 when the teams left the court for the big
break. Varda brought 47:32 and Kojadinovic reduced to 51:38.
Bosnia won the third period 21-12 as Nesovic closed the frame at
53:45. Varda delivered three for 53:48, but the hosts did not
allow Bosnia to come closer. The majority of the last points
F.Y.R. of Macedonia scored form the free throw line, but it was
enough to win the game.
Lester McCalebb made two at the very end for the third win
in the group.
Lester McCalebb top-scored for the hosts with 19 points.
Samardziski collected 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Gechevski
added 13. Domercant replied with 13 points in the losing effort,
whilst Varda and Bavcic posted 11 apiece.
Group C
Poland - Belgium
93-73
Poland recorded the second win at the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying
Round. They outgunned Belgium to improve at 2-2 record in Group
C.
Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) exploded with 29 points and 7
rebounds to lead Poland to the confident win in Lodz. Belgium
suffered the first defeat and slipped at 3-1 record in the pool.
Belgium opened the game with five points in a row but Poland
quickly denied the deficit. The teams stayed close in the
opening term and the hosts eked out a 26:24 lead ten minutes
into the encounter. Beye Tabu-Eboma opened the second term with
a three-pointer to put Belgium in front. But Poland surged back
in front and established a 51:44 advantage at the interval.
Marcin Gortat tipped off the second half with four straight
points to ignite a 12:2 rally from Poland. They took the
initiative and drove to a 71:52 lead with ten minutes to go.
Lauers and Moya drained back-to-back triples for Belgium cutting
the deficit at 15 points midway through the fourth quarter. But
it was as close as Belgium could get. Poland maintained the
distance and ran for the win at the end. Maciej Lampe knocked
down 24 points for the home side. Lukasz Koszarek added 11
points and 7 assists for Poland. Dimitri Lauwers replied with 14
points for Belgium. Randy Oveneke accounted for 12 points in the
loss. Bulgaria - Georgia
79-83
Georgia won a thriller in Sofia to take 3-1 record at the
Eurobasket 2011 Qualifiers. The team needed 83:79 to step closer
to the top of the group beating Bulgaria and sending them to 2-2
record. After the stunning victory over Poland at home, Bulgaria
hoped to get another win.
Filip Videnov
(196-F/G-80, agency:
Interperformances, college:
W.Kentucky) scored the first five points for the hosts and
then Calloway gave Bulgaria 18:15. Georgia scored some important
baskets at the end of the period for 23:22 lead.
Filip Videnov again tied it at 29:29 and another
three-pointer from the top-scorer brought 41:39. He also made a
lay-up to close the half at 43:39. Four times the score was tied
in the third period and then Markoishvili gave Georgia 55:53.
Tskitishvili nailed two for 58:53 and Ivanov closed the period
from the free throw line. Calloway closed a 6-0 run for 62:61 in
the start of the last frame. Georgia however replied with a 10-0
run and took 73:63 win. Markoishvili made it 76:71 and Green
scored for 79:76. Tsintsadze and
Filip Videnov exchanged the baskets at the very end as
Georgia celebrated the away victory. Markoishvili led the way
with 23 points and 7 rebounds for 3-1 record. Green nailed 14,
while Pachulia added 12.
Filip Videnov poured in 29 points in the losing effort.
Ivanov nailed 15, while Calloway scored 12.
Day: 4 (Qualifying Round) - Aug.
12, 2010
Group A
Finland - Israel
84-83
Gerald Lee knocked down two free throws late in regulation to
propel Finland past Israel in Espoo. The victory marked the
first success for the Finnish team at the 2011 EuroBasket
Qualifying Round. They improved at 1-2 record in Group A. Israel
suffered the first defeat and fell at 2-1 record. Lior Eliyahu
notched 8 points in the starting quarter to help Israel take
over. The visitors posted a 22:18 advantage after the first
frame. Finland erased the deficit but two triples from Pnini
gave the lead back to Israel. Limonad opened up a 10-point
advantage for Israel midway through the second quarter. Finland
fought bravely and narrowed the margin to just four points at
halftime 44:48. Yotam Halperin ignited a 7:0 run from Israel at
the start of the second half. The visitors stayed in charge in
the third quarter but back-to-back triples from Petri Virtanen
and lay-up from Tuomas Iisalo gave Finland a 67:66 advantage
with ten minutes to go. Omri Casspi and Pnini teamed up for 8
points midway through the fourth quarter as Israel posted a
76:72 advantage. Yotam Halperin stretched the margin to 6 points
from the stripe however
Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84, college:
Valparaiso) and Lee struck right back with 6 points in a row
to knot things up. Yotam Halperin was there to restore the lead
with a three-pointer but accurate free throws from Petri
Virtanen and Lee ensured an 84:83 lead for the hosts with 12
seconds to go. Burstein had a chance to save the day for Israel
but missed a jumper at the buzzer.
Shawn Huff and Petri Virtanen finished with 13 points each
for Finland. Tuomas Iisalo delivered 12 points in the victory.
Yotam Halperin responded with 18 points for Israel. Omri Casspi
had 17 points in the loss. Montenegro - Italy
71-62
Montenegro recorded the third straight win at the start of the
2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down Italy at
home court to improve at 3-0 record on top of Group A. Italy
continued with their woeful form as they slipped at 1-3 record.
Nikola Pekovic
(210-C-86, agency:
Beo Basket) was unstoppable for Montenegro as the centre
tallied 28 points and 4 boards. The teams traded baskets at the
beginning of the game before Vladimir Dragicevic put the hosts
up by four 10:6. Marco Belinelli drew things level but Goran
Jeretin scored three points late in the quarter to give
Montenegro a 15:14 lead. Crosariol and Mordente allowed the
visitors to pull ahead early in the second frame. Montenegro
regained control but not for too long. Mancinelli fired four
straight points late in the first half to earn a 34:32
advantage. The lead changed hands throughout intense third term.
Goran Jeretin, Borisov and Cook crowned the period with 9 points
in a row as Montenegro posted a 50:46 lead. The teams were tied
at 57 with under four minutes remaining in regulation. However
Pekovic and Goran Jeretin exploded with 9 consecutive points for
the home team as Montenegro cleared off. Italy never recovered
from the blow and had to bow at the end. Goran Jeretin notched
12 points for Montenegro. Vladimir Dragicevic netted 10 points
in the win. Andrea Bargnani replied with 17 points for Italy.
Marco Belinelli finished with 13 points in the loss.
Group B
Ukraine - Hungary
80-71
Ukraine posted the first win at the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying
Round today at the home court. The team of Vitaliy Cherniy
overcame Hungary 80:71 in Lviv to take 1-2 record in Group B.
Hungary meanwhile dropped at 1-3 record. Dmytro Gliebov and
Serhiy Lishchuk
(210-C/F-82, agency:
Beo Basket) brought the first points for the hosts, while
Horvath later tied the game at 14:14. Hungary played better at
that period of time and Horvath nailed three for 17:14. No
matter how hard Ukraine tried to take the lead the teams
finished the first period at 21:20 for the guests. David Vojvoda
brought them 24:20 and Adam Hanga scored for 31:27. Hungary led
in the whole frame but Kravtsov managed to send the teams to the
lockers at 40:40. The third period probably became the most
productive for Ukraine that outscored the opponents 24-18 in it.
Serhiy Lishchuk gave them 64:55, but Adam Hanga closed the
frame at the buzzer for 64:58. Kryvych came from the bench in
the middle of the period and immediately nailed three for 73:66.
Pustozvonov followed him with a jump shot and Lukashov scored
for 77:71.
Serhiy Lishchuk was the last player to bring the points for
the hosts as he added two from the free throw line for the final
success. Ukraine won the first home game as Vitaliy Cherniy gets
his first official win.
Serhiy Lishchuk exploded with 27 points and 10 rebounds for
the winners. Oleksiy Pecherov followed him with 15 and Dmytro
Gliebov added 14. Adam Hanga finished the night with 22 points
in the losing effort, whilst Peter Lorant and David Vojvoda
notched 12 apiece. Bosnia - United Kingdom
80-84
Sarajevo hosted the second game of the 2011 EuroBasket
Qualifying Round this year, but this time Bosnia and Herzegovina
could not win the game. A well-balanced squad of Great Britain
stole a 84:80 win to remain perfect in the group. Deng was the
first to open the scoring account for the guests and then
however the hosts took the lead. Jazvin scored for 20:9 and
Nesovic posted for 22:17. Great Britain came back into the game
and Boyd tied it all at 24:24.
Daniel Clark
(210-C-88, agency:
Interperformances) nailed three later in the second period
for 37:37. Bajramovic closed the first half at 48:41 making two
free throws. The second half however belonged to the British
side. Trailing in the majority of the third period Deng stepped
up for 64:62. Bavcic made two free throws at the end of thirty
minutes to tie the game again. Varda scored two for 76:76 when
the game was tied for the last time. Deng closed a 5-0 run for
81:76 with 30 seconds to go. All the last points were scored
from the free throw line and Reinking was the last to bring two
more at the very end for the guests.
Daniel Clark top-scored for the winners with 23 points and
Reinking nailed 21. Mensah-Bonsu collected 16 points and 12
rebounds, while Deng scored 16. Varda finished the night with 20
points in the losing case and Bajramovic posted 16. Kojadinovic
and Domercant followed them with 14 points each in defeat.
Group C
Belgium - Bulgaria
74-69
Belgium is perfect in Group C as the team won their third game
at the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round today at the home court.
Belgium rolled over Bulgaria 74:69 for 3-0 record. Antwerp and
3500 fans desired another victory of the local team tonight. The
hosts however trailed in the opening tip and only
Christophe Beghin
(207-F-80, agency:
Court Side) with 3 minutes in the first period gave them the
first lead at 17:16. Belgium grabbed 26:20 at the end of the
frame and Tabu-Eboma scored for 35:27. The hosts dominated the
court and after 22-17 in the second frame reached 48:37 halftime
advantage.
Christophe Beghin gave the hosts the biggest lead at 56:41
and Hervelle kept the difference at 60:45. Videnov reduced the
gap to 64:54 entering the final period. Moreover his jump shot
in the beginning of the last frame brought 64:58 with 7 minutes
to go. Videnov scored another shot for 73:69, but as it became
clear those points were the last for Bulgaria in the game.
Hervelle made just one free throw for the final success.
Christophe Beghin poured in 15 points for the winners and
Van Rossom as well as Faison netted 13 each. Hervelle and
Tabu-Eboma delivered 10 points each in a win. Videnov responded
with 18 points in the losing case and Kaloyan Ivanov added 17.
Bulgaria suffered their first loss and dropped at 2-1 record.
Georgia - Portugal
73-57
Georgia posted the second win at the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying
Round. They shot down Portugal in front of almost 10000
spectators in Tbilisi.
Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) came up with 17 points and 6
rebounds to pace the hosts. Georgia improved at 2-1 record,
while Portugal fell at 0-4 in Group C. Portugal aggressively
entered the game. They successfully built their defense limiting
Georgia to just 12 points in the first frame. Portugal gained a
16:12 lead ten minutes into the clash. Georgia tipped off the
second term with six points in a row to erase the deficit. Soon
the hosts went on a 9:2 run to surge in front.
Zaza Pachulia capped the half with a dunk as the home team
piled up a 31:25 lead. Georgia stormed into the third quarter.
They accounted for 10 unanswered points to boost the gap to 16
points. Miguel Miranda stopped the bleeding with back-to-back
three-pointers but Georgia managed to build a 46:38 lead at the
final intermission. Miguel Miranda and Carlos Andrade opened the
fourth stanza with two more trebles and then Miguel Miranda drew
things level with a lay-up. Georgia reacted with a 10:3 run to
restore the advantage. The hosts finished the game with an 11:4
rally and pulled away with an important win at the end. Viktor
Sanikidze tallied 12 points and 10 rebounds for Georgia. Taurean
Green added 12 points, while Giorgi Shermadini had 8 points for
the winners. Miguel Miranda answered with 16 points for
Portugal. Carlos Andrade notched 14 points in the loss.
Div. B Day: 1 (Qualifying Round) - Aug.
11, 2010
Group B
Albania - Azerbaijan
63-81
Azerbaijan opened their European Championship in Division B
campaign with historic victory. The Division B newcomers upset
Albania in Tirana in Group B opener.
Charles Davis
(202-F-84, college:
Alabama) led the visitors with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 4
assists. Albania ensured an 8:3 start to the game. The hosts
stayed in charge and posted a narrow 19:17 lead at the first
intermission. Kurtoglu opened the second frame with a
three-pointer to give Albania a 22:17 lead. Azerbaijan responded
with a 13:0 run midway through the second quarter as the
visitors accumulated a 32:24 lead. Azerbaijan took over and
rallied to a 48:33 lead at the interval.
Charles Davis notched 8 points in the third quarter as
Azerbaijan maintained the lead. They posted a 64:50 advantage at
the final break. Aleksandr Rindin, Rasim Basak and
Charles Davis kept Azerbaijan at safe distance and they
coasted to the win at the end.
Zaur Pashayev (186-G-83) finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds
and 5 assists for Azerbaijan.
Fuad Niftaliyev (183-G-80) provided 13 points, 7 rebounds
and 4 assists for the winners.
Ermal Kuqo
(208-C-80, agency:
Beo Basket) responded with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4
assists for Albania.
Erkand Karaj (188-G-82) had 10 points in the losing effort.
Sweden - Belarus
75-66
Sweden and Belarus opened European Championships Qualifying
Round in Division B in Norrkoping. The Scandinavian team
celebrated 75:66 victory for the first success.
Pavel Ulyanko
(204-F/C-79) upset the hosts from the perimeter to open the
game, while
Aliaksandr Kudrautsau
(190-G-80) scored for 10:7. Sweden took the lead later in the
quarter and Rudy Mbemba closed it at 24:18. Kuchinsky made a
jump shot to open the second period and
Dzianis Korshuk (201-F-78, agency:
Agency No 10) reduced to 26:23. After defensive 10-10 in the
period Sweden kept 34:28 at the halftime. In the beginning of
the third period Sweden went on a bigger lead and
Jonas Jerebko (206-F-87) increased to 45:31. Rudy Mbemba
gave the hosts 50:31 and nailed three for 57:38. Massamba closed
the third frame at 61:51.
Aliaksandr Kudrautsau remained the guests alive as he
reduced to 63:57. Pustahvar cut it to 67:64, but Belarus could
not come closer.
Martin Ringstrom
(206-F-81, agency:
Rasmussen Services) made the last jump shot in the game for
the first victory in the opener.
Jonas Jerebko shined with 22 points and 11 rebounds for the
winners. Rudy Mbemba nailed 14, while
Martin Ringstrom added 9.
Aliaksandr Kudrautsau ended up with 16 points in the losing
effort.
Pavel Ulyanko netted 13, whilst
Dzianis Korshuk posted 11.
Romania - Sweden
70-54
Romania National Team opened their Division B Qualifying Round
with the home win over Sweden. Romania won 70:54 to tie Swedish
record at 1-1. Romania had a successful opener this year and
looked better in the court. Romania won the opening quarter
19:14 and looked better in the second frame.
Titus Nicoara
(200-F-88, agency:
Interperformances) sent the teams to the lockers for 35:27,
while Dragusin opened the third period at 37:27. The teams had
difficulties to score in the beginning of the last quarter as
only Jucan made a tip-in for 57:42.
Vlad Moldoveanu (206-F-88) made it 60:44 with 4.24 to go in
the game.
Jonas Jerebko reduced to 61:46 making a dunk, while Levin
nailed three for 61:49.
Titus Nicoara increased the lead to 63:49 and
Joakim Kjellbom
(213-C/F-79, college:
N.Arizona) remained the Scandinavian team alive at 63:51.
Capusan made a jump shot for 65:51 and Chetreanu made the hosts
closer to the win at 66:51.
Vlad Moldoveanu made two free throws for 68:53, while
Chetreanu brought the final points for the hosts. Massambe
scored one free throw fro Sweden at the very end as the teams
disappeared from the court.
Titus Nicoara and
Vlad Moldoveanu top-scored for the hosts with 16 points
each.
Mihai Silvasan
(200-F-85, agency:
Court Side) added 11 points for thew inners in their debut.
Jonas Jerebko answered with 19 points and 14 rebounds in
defeat.
Joakim Kjellbom nailed 12, while
Mikael Lindqvist
(193-G-83, agency:
Court Side) posted 9.
Belarus - Albania
94-76
Belarus posted the first win at the European Championship in
Division B. They held off Albania in Minsk to improve at 1-1
record in Group B.
Pavel Ulyanko scored 19 points to pace the hosts. Albania
suffered the second straight defeat at the tournament. Albania
managed to win the opening frame.
Ermal Kuqo knocked down 10 points to give the visitors a
29:26 advantage at the first break.
Ermal Kuqo opened the scoring in the second term but soon
Belarus took over.
Dzianis Korshuk,
Pavel Ulyanko and
Dante Stiggers (187-G-82, college:
S.Mississippi) capped the half with 7 points in a row as
Belarus grabbed a 47:38 lead.
Ermal Kuqo helped Albania to return into the contest in the
third term. Albania trailed by just two points heading into the
fourth stanza 58:60. But Belarus turned things their way at the
start of the fourth quarter. The hosts went on an 18:3 run to
take an 85:67 advantage. Belarus controlled the game from now on
and posted a well-deserved win at the end.
Dzianis Korshuk scored 12 points for Belarus.
Aliaksandr Kudrautsau and
Dante Stiggers added 10 points each in the victory.
Ermal Kuqo replied with 24 points for Albania.
Endrit Hysenagolli (203-C-88) finished with 12 points and 10
boards in defeat.
Day: 3 (Qualifying Round) - Aug.
8, 2010
Group A
Israel - Latvia
110-88
Israel thrashed the Baltic State in Tel Aviv for the second
straight win at the 2011 EuroBasket Qualification. The team
overcame Latvia 110:88 for 2-0 record in Group A. It was a
perfect period for Israel as the players scored almost all the
shots in the quarter. When Pnini nailed three to finish the
period the board showed 37:18 and it was a proof of how well the
hosts looked in the game. Naimy scored for 39:20 and
Ronalds Zakis
(207-F/C-87) later reduced to 42:28. Eliyahu increased the lead
to 48:31 and
David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college:
USC) gave the hosts 53:36.
Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88) was the last to score in the
quarter for 55:40 at the halftime.
Ronalds Zakis reduced to 61:51 early in the third and
Rihards Kuksiks nailed two three-pointers for 65:57. Israel
however kept the difference after three quarters at 79:63 as
they won the period 24-23. In the last frame Israel even pushed
the tempo and Pnini scored for 101:76 with 5 minutes to play.
Israel scored another 9 points for the final 110:88 win. Six
players scored in double digits as
Omri Casspi
(204-F/G-88, agency:
Interperformances) led them all with 21 points and 8
rebounds.
Yotam Halperin
(196-G-84) nailed 18, while
David Bluthenthal scored 17.
Rihards Kuksiks finished the night with 24 points in defeat
as Latvia dropped at 1-2.
Janis Strelnieks
(191-G-89) netted 17, whilst
Ronalds Zakis posted 16. Italy - Finland
82-73
Italy broke the spell and posted the first win at the 2011
EuroBasket Qualifying Round. The Azzurri held off Finland in
Bari.
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) came up with 24 points and 5
rebounds to lead the winners. Italy improved at 1-2 record,
while Finland fell at 0-2 in Group A.
Andrea Bargnani scored 7 points in a 12:3 run from Italy
that opened the game. The hosts soon ensured a 21:6 lead. Italy
were up by 15 points ten minutes into the game 28:13. Finland
opened the second quarter with a 7:2 rally to return into the
contest. But Italy did not allow their opponents to get too
close. They marched to a 47:34 lead at the interval.
Andrea Bargnani scored quick six points for Italy as they
built a 53:36 lead early in the third quarter. Ranniko triggered
a 13:0 run that put Finland within 6 midway through the stanza.
Nikkila put the visitors as close as four points late in the
quarter. Mancinelli and Aradori returned confidence to the
Azzurri. They grabbed a 7-point lead almost four minutes into
the final frame. Finland refused to yield as they got within
three 65:68. However three-pointers from Marco Carraretto and
Antonio Maestranzi
(178-G-84, college:
N.Illinois) helped Italy to escape to a safe distance and
they hung on to the win the game.
Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) produced 15 points for Italy.
Antonio Maestranzi finished with 10 points in the victory.
Teemu Rannikko
(189-G-80) replied with 27 points for Finland.
Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) had 13 points in the loss.
Group B
United Kingdom - FYR Macedonia
104-96
Great Britain kept their EuroBasket Qualifying round record
spotless. They posted the second win in a row defeating F.Y.R.
Macedonia in overtime.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu
(206-F-83, agency:
SportsTalent, college:
George Washington) came up with 27 points and 9 rebounds to
ensure the victory for Great Britain in Newcastle. Great Britain
ensured a brave start to the game. They unloaded 29 points in
the opening quarter and posted an 11-point lead. F.Y.R.
Macedonia responded quickly as they cut the deficit in the
second frame. Led by
Lester McCalebb
(183-G-85, college:
New Orleans) the visitors trimmed the difference to only 4
points at the interval. F.Y.R. Macedonia kept on getting closer
in the third term. They eventually erased the deficit and drew
things level at 68 heading into the fourth period. The visitors
surged ahead to lead by 7 points with late in regulation. But
Pops Mensah-Bonsu hit a free throw and then
Luol Deng (201-F-85, college:
Duke) hit a three-pointer after an offensive rebound from
Dan Clark as Great Britain leveled things up and forced
overtime. The hosts got the full advantage of the momentum and
rolled to the win at the end.
Luol Deng finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists
for the home team.
Andrew Sullivan
(203-F-80, college:
Villanova) added 17 points and 9 boards for Great Britain.
Bo
Lester McCalebb answered with 30 points for F.Y.R.
Macedonia.
Dimitar Mirakovski (180-G-81, agency:
Interperformances) had 17 points in the loss. Hungary - Bosnia
74-70
Hungary posted the first win at the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying
campaign. They held off Bosnia and Herzegovina in Szolnok today.
Hungary improved at 1-2 record, while Bosnia and Herzegovina
fell at 1-1 in Group B.
Adam Hanga
(201-G-89, agency:
FCM) came up with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for
the hosts. Hungary used a 7:2 outburst midway through the
opening frame to take a 13:9 lead. Fodor capped the period with
a jumper as the hosts ensured a 19:11 lead. Hungary maintained
the advantage throughout the second frame. Back-to-back triples
from
Akos Horvath
(194-G/F-81) and Hanga allowed Hungary to establish a 35:17
lead. The hosts arrived at halftime up by 16 points 42:26. Ratko
Varda and
Edin Bavcic
(210-F/C-84, agency:
Beo Basket) tried to drag Bosnia and Herzegovina back to
life. They cut the margin to 10 points in the third stanza but
Hungary managed to enter the fourth frame up by 12. Bosnia and
Herzegovina tried hard in the final quarter.
Nihad Dedovic
(196-F-90) and
Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88) pulled the visitors within 5
points with under four minutes remaining. Bajramovic made it a
three-point game with under two minutes to go.
Adam Hanga knocked down three points and Vojvoda added one
more from the stripe as Hungary finally sealed the winning
outcome.
Akos Horvath delivered 17 points for Hungary.
Andras Molnar
(195-F/G-83) contributed 13 points in the win.
Nemanja Gordic replied with 15 points for Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
Edin Bavcic and
Nihad Dedovic had 14 points apiece in the loss.
Group C
Portugal - Belgium
69-78
Belgium registered their second straight win at the 2011
EuroBasket Qualification in Group C. The team stole 78:69 win
from Portugal due to the masterpiece in the last quarter.
Belgium started better and asked Portugal to call an early
timeout when they got off to a false start and were 12:2 behind
during the early stages. It helped the hosts to reduce the gap
as the quarter finished at 14:16. However after starting again
and re-composing themselves, they pulled out a big second
quarter to edge in front at 33:32 heading into the interval.
Roel Moors
(188-G-78, agency:
Agency No 10) gave Belgium 34:33 early in the third frame
and Van Rossom increased the lead to 46:41. Portugal however won
the third quarter 19-18 and Silva scored for 52:50. The last
frame belonged to the guests and
Beye Tabu-Eboma
(190-G-85) proved it with 53:52 lead.
Axel Hervelle
(205-F-83) increased to 65:55, while
Beye Tabu-Eboma made it 71:62. Portugal tried hard but could
not reduce the gap.
Beye Tabu-Ebomamade the last free throw to finish the
successful road trip.
Beye Tabu-Eboma led the way with 23 points for 2-0 record.
Roel Moors and
Axel Hervelle followed him with 15 points each.
Heshimu Evans (198-F-75, college:
Kentucky) finished the game with 19 points as Portugal
dropped at 0-3. Santos scored 13 and
Miguel Miranda
(205-F-78) added 12. Bulgaria - Poland
74-70
Bulgaria shocked Poland in Sofia at the 2011 EuroBasket
Qualification. Sofia and 3000 fans enjoyed the last quarter
comeback as Bulgaria celebrated 74:70 win for 2-0 record. Poland
meanwhile suffered the second away straight loss and dropped to
1-2 record.
Filip Videnov
(196-F/G-80, agency:
Interperformances, college:
W.Kentucky) brought the first points for the hosts, while
Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) gave Poland 12:5 lead. He nailed
another three at the end of the period to taste 21:12 at the end
of the first 10 minutes. Hrycaniuk increased to 29:18 in the
second frame and Chylinski scored for 35:27.
Stefan Georgiev
(206-C/F-78) was the last to score at the half for 35:28
halftime advantage for the guests. Although
Filip Videnov reduced to 33:35 early in the third, Dylewicz
gave Poland 45:35. Koszarek tasted the biggest lead with Poland
for 52:38, while
Thomas Kelati
(195-G/F-82, agency:
Beo Basket, college:
Washington St.) closed the third frame at 55:44. The last
quarter however belonged to the hosts as Bulgaria created a
masterpiece to win the game. Kostov gave the hosts 60:58 and
Filip Videnov gave them 70:65. Ivanov scored the last two
points in the end of the game for the tremendous success.
Filip Videnov top-scored for the winners with 26 points as
Bulgaria is so far perfect in the group.
Earl Calloway
(191-G-83, college:
Indiana) and
Stefan Georgiev followed him with 12 points each.
Maciej Lampe responded with 18 points in the losing effort,
Thomas Kelati netted 17, whilst
Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) collected 10 points and 12
rebounds.
Day: 2 (Qualifying Round) - Aug.
5, 2010
Group A
Finland - Montenegro
60-74
Montenegro made a successful trip to Finland in the second round
of the 2011 EuroBasket Qualification.
Vladimir Dasic (207-F-88, agency:
Beo Basket) scored 12 points to pace well-balanced Balkan
team to the second straight win in Group A. Finland in the
meantime slipped at 0-1 record.
Vladimir Dasic and
Vladimir Dragicevic (206-C/F-86) ensured a 5:0 start for
Montenegro in this one. Finland reacted with 10 points in a row
to surge in front. But the visitors capped the period with 9
points consecutive points to lead by 4 at the first break.
Vladimir Dasic knocked down 5 points at the start of the
second frame to trigger an 8:0 run that enlarged the gap.
Finland narrowed the deficit but Goran Jeretin notched timly
five points and Montenegro ran away for a 31:21 lead at
halftime. Suad Sehovic drained a triple at the beginning of the
third term to keep things rolling Montenegros way. Finland could
not get any closer in the third tem moreover the visitors
stretched the lead to as many as 18 points with ten minutes
remaining. Finland were able to get within 13 points midway
through the fourth term but it was not enough to threaten
Montenegro as those rallied to the victory. Nikola Pekovic,
Vladimir Dragicevic and Goran Jeretin produced 9 points each
for Montenegro. Teemu Rannikko answered with 20 points for
Finland. Gerald Lee had 12 points and 7 boards in the loss. Latvia - Italy
69-68
Latvia handed Italy their second loss in the 2011 EuroBasket
Qualifying campaign. Latvia grabbed 69:68 win for the first
success and improved to 1-1 in Group A in Riga. Latvia opened
the game with 4 consecutive points and Janis Strelnieks nailed
three for 11:9. Maestranzi closed the opening quarter at 14:14
and
Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) gave Italy 16:14 in the start of
the second frame. Gigli brought 27:21 and Maestranzi scored for
29:23. Latvia took control at the end of the frame and Kalve
gave Italy 33:31 at the halftime. The battle continued in the
second half and both teams nailed 19 points each in the period.
Bertans nailed three at the end of three quarters for 52:50.
Andrea Bargnani tied it all at 52:52 and Mordente made the same
at 60:60. Bankevics scored three in a row for 69:66, while
Marco Belinelli and
Stefano Mancinelli
(203-F-83) reduced to 69:68. As it became clear after that was
the final result. Rihards Kuksiks missed two free-pointers in
the end of the game but did not even get upset. Rihards Kuksiks
paced all the winners with 12 points for 1-1 record. Janis
Strelnieks nailed 11, while Rolands Freimanis scored 10. Andrea
Bargnani ended up with 18 points in the losing effort as Italy
dropped to 0-2.
Stefano Mancinelli and
Marco Belinelli notched 14 points in defeat.
Group B
FYR Macedonia - Hungary
81-44
Todor Gechevski scored 17 points as F.Y.R. Macedonia posted the
second straight win at the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round.
They eased past Hungary in Skopje today. F.Y.R. Macedonia thus
improved at 2-0 record on top of Group B. Hungary suffered the
second straight defeat. The hosts set the tone with an 11:2
start to the game. F.Y.R. Macedonia quickly opened a 23:8 lead
late in the opening quarter. Adam Hanga capped the period with
two free throws but Hungary still trailed 10:23. Chekovski and
Todor Gechevski drained triples early in the second frame as
F.Y.R. Macedonia continued to roll. They limited Hungary to 10
points in the frame posting a 39:20 advantage at halftime. Antic
and
Darko Sokolov (190-G-86) tipped off the second half with
eight points in a row for F.Y.R. Macedonia. Hungary faced a
massive 30-point deficit heading into the fourth stanza 31:61.
The hosts never loosened the grasp and recorded yet another
confident win.
Pero Antic
(210-F-82, agency:
Interperformances)
(210-F-82, agency:
Interperformances) knocked down 14 points for the home team.
Darko Sokolov provided 12 points in the win. Adam Hanga
replied with 13 points, 6 boards and 6 assists for Hungary. Akos
Horvath delivered 11 points in the loss. Bosnia- Ukraine 86-76
Bosnia and Herzegovina ensured the
winning start to the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying Round campaign.
They held off Ukraine in Sarajevo today to improve at 1-0 record
in Group B. Ukraine on the other hand suffered the second loss
and endangered their 2011 EuroBasket ambitions.
Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency:
Beo Basket) led
well-balanced effort with 18 points for the hosts. Ratko Varda
(216-C/F-79) and
Henry Domercant
teamed up for 14 points in the opening frame to ensure the brave
start for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The hosts piled up a 24:14
lead ten minutes into the encounter. Bavcic nailed 4 points in a
6:o run that opened the second quarter. A pair of three-pointers
from
Oleksiy Pecherov (212-C-85)
dragged Ukraine within 5 points late in the second term. However
Ratko Varda,
Kenan Bajramovic and
Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88)
secured a 45:35 lead for Bosnia
and Herzegovina at halftime. Three-pointers from
Nihad Dedovic
and
Nemanja Gordic kept
Ukraine at bay early in the third term.
Maksym Pustozvonov
(200-F-87, agency:
Beo Basket)
came up with five points in a row to revive Ukraine as they cut
the deficit at 5 points 50:55.
Kenan Bajramovic and
Henry Domercant
were right there to silence Ukraine as they gave the home team a
69:55 lead with ten minutes to go.
Kenan Bajramovic fired
10 points in the fourth quarter as Bosnia and Herzegovina drove
to a confident win at the end. Henry Domercant
nailed 16 points for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ratko Varda
had 12 points in the win.
Oleksiy Pecherov
replied with 23 points and 10 rebounds for Ukraine.
Maksym Pustozvonov
netted 14 points in the loss.
Group C
Belgium - Georgia
74-64
Belgium opened their 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying campaign with a
home win over Georgia. The latter won the first game over Poland
but after tonight 64:74 loss dropped at 1-1. After the win over
favorite Poland, Georgia started with 6-0 run. The guests led in
the whole quarter and reached 23;19 after the first minutes. Van
Rossom tied it all at 23:23, whilst Beghin gave the hosts 35:30
advantage. He also scored for 31:31 and Hervelle made it 36:35.
Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) remained the guests in front at
41:38 when the squads went to the lockers. Van Rossomlater tied
it at 43:43 and Hervelle brought the hosts to 46:43. Georgia was
too far to give up and Sanikidze tied it at 54:54 at the end of
three quarters. The last period became decisive in the game as
the host pushed the tempo for good.
Dimitri Lauwers
(187-G-79) made two free thows for 67:59 to keep the perfect
score.
Zaza Pachulia reduced to 69:64, while Moors made two free
throws for 71:64. He went on a free throw line again and managed
to bring another point for 72:64.
Dimitri Lauwers brought 74:64 with 30 seconds in the game.
Beghin top-scored for the hosts with 17 points. Tabu-Eboma
netted 14, while
Dimitri Lauwers poured in 13.
Zaza Pachulia ended up with 20 points in the losing effort,
whilst Green and Sanikidze notched 10 each. Poland - Portugal
86-64
Poland National Team improved to 1-1 record in Group C after the
win over Portugal. Bydgoszcz and more than 5000 fans enjoyed
86:64 win of the local side.
Michal Chylinski
(199-G-86) gave Poland the first lead and Kelati nailed three
for 16:6. Poland played too good and with such a great roster
proved the ambitions for the top place in the group. Berisha
scored from the perimeter for 19:10 to close the first period.
Kelati and again Berisha brought 24:10 in the start of the
second frame. Pinto reduced to 31:21, while Silva kept the
difference at 37:27. Minhava sent the squads to the lockers as
Poland had 44:33 advantage after 25-23 in the second period.
Cortez cut it to 50:42, while Poland exploded with 14-0 run for
a bigger lead.
Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) made two free throws for 64:42 and
Michal Chylinski added two for 66:48. Kelati later opened
the last stanza with a lay-up and Berisha's another
three-pointer showed 73:48 on the board. Pinto reduced to 78:57
and Minhava brought 84:61. Silva was the last to score in the
game for the final result.
Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) collected 19 points and 11 rebounds
for the winners.
Maciej Lampe notched 14, while Kelati chipped in 13. Silva
finished the night with 12 points in the losing case and Jordao
added 9. Portugal dropped to 0-2 at the bottom of the group.
Day: 1 (Qualifying Round) - Aug.
2, 2010
Group A
Italy - Israel
71-79
Israel opened their 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying campaign with
victory. They knocked down Italy in Group A in Bari.
Yotam Halperin
(196-G-84, agency:
Arik Krayn Services) knocked down 16 points to lead the
visitors.
Yotam Halperin opened the scoring with three points but
Italy responded with 11 points in a row to surge ahead. Israel
stayed close throughout the opening frame and
Yuval Naimy
(188-G-85, agency:
Arik Krayn Services) gave them a 20:19 lead at the first
break.
Guy Pnini
(201-G/F-83, agency:
Arik Krayn Services) and
Yotam Halperin ignited a 12:0 run from Israel as they
cleared off midway through the second frame. The visitors
maintained the lead and recorded a 45:33 advantage at the
interval. Israel stayed confidently in charge during the third
term. They arrived at the final break up by 11 points 67:55.
Yotam Halperin and
Omri Casspi
(204-F/G-88, agency:
Interperformances) ensured a 78:64 advantage for the Israeli
team with under five minutes to go. Italy never recovered in the
final minutes and had to surrender at the end.
Yuval Naimy and
David Bluthenthal (202-F-80, college:
USC) produced 10 points each for Israel.
Yaniv Green
(206-F-80, agency:
ZAG Advocates),
Guy Pnini and
Omri Casspi had 9 points each in the victory.
Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) and
Andrea Bargnani (209-F/C-85) replied with 20 points each for
Italy. Vitali finished with 6 points in the loss. Montenegro - Latvia
96-66
Montenegro registered a comfortable win at the start of the 2011
EuroBasket Qualifying Round. They knocked down visiting Latvia
to improve at 1-0 record in Group A.
Nikola Pekovic
(210-C-86, agency:
Beo Basket) tallied 26 points to lead the hosts. Montenegro
stormed into the game. The hosts accounted for 30 points in the
opening stanza to lead by 17 at the first break.
Janis Strelnieks
(191-G-89) dragged Latvia within 11 points late in the second
half but Montenegro reacted.
Omar Cook
(186-G-82, agency:
Beo Basket, college:
St.John's) and
Predrag Drobnjak
(212-F/C-75) capped the half with back-to-back three-pointers to
give the home team a 53:38 buffer. Dragicevic and
Nikola Pekovic ensured a 21-point lead for Montenegro late
in the third term. Latvia struggled to recover as they were down
by 22 points with ten minutes to go.
Nikola Pekovic and
Predrag Drobnjak tipped off the fourth frame with five
straight points for Montenegro and they never looked back en
route to the victory.
Goran Jeretin
(192-G-79, agency:
Beo Basket) provided 13 points and 7 assists for the home
team.
Predrag Drobnjak and
Omar Cook delivered 11 points each for Montenegro.
Janis Strelnieks replied with 13 points, 6 boards and 4
assists for Latvia.
Ronalds Zakis
(207-F/C-87) and
Rihards Kuksiks (198-G/F-88) had 9 points each in the loss.
Group B
Hungary - United Kingdom
82-91 Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency:
Arik Krayn Services, college:
Duke) leads United Kingdom over Hungary in Szolnok at the
start of the EuroBasket qualifying campaign. United Kingdom
needed 24-13 in the last frame for 91:82 victory.
David Vojvoda
(191-G/F-90, agency:
Laszlo Vinko Services) gave the hosts the first lead, while
Nate Reinking
(188-G-73, college:
Kent St.) tied it later at 10:10. It was an offensive
quarter for both sides and as a result the teams nailed 56
points in the first quarter.
Peter Lorant (207-F/C-85) nailed two at the end of the
quarter for 29:27 and
Nate Reinking opened the second frame for 30:29.
Daniel Clark
(210-C-88, agency:
Interperformances) drove a lay-up for 39:33 and Sullivan
gave the guests 41:36.
Luol Deng brought the first double digits in the game for
48:38 advantage, while Wittmann sent the squads to the lockers
at 54:42. Hungary however was too far to give and Toth brought
them to 58:55. Moreover
David Vojvoda tied it all at 64:64 and Wittmann gave Hungary
69:67 after three quarters. In the last quarter United Kingdom
took a control in the game and
Nate Reinking nailed three for 74:71.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu
(206-F-83, agency:
SportsTalent, college:
George Washington) made it 82:77, while
Luol Deng brought the final victory at the very end.
Luol Deng exploded with 32 points for the winners and
Nate Reinking scored 16.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu collected 14 points and 18 rebounds,
whilst
Daniel Clark notched 14.
Adam Hanga
(201-G-89, agency:
FCM) finished the night with 20 points and 10 rebounds for
the home side and
David Vojvoda nailed 18.
Peter Lorant ended up with 15 points in defeat. Ukraine - FYR Macedonia
58-71
F.Y.R. Macedonia ensured a dreamful start to the their
EuroBasket Qualifying campaign. They stunned Ukraine in Yuzhnyi
today.
Pero Antic
(210-F-82, agency:
Interperformances) knocked down 26 points and grabbed 6
rebounds to lead the effort. Ukraine started the game in a
confident manner. They recorded a 22:17 lead ten minutes into
the game. But F.Y.R. Macedonia slowed the hosts down in the
second frame. The visitors adjusted their defense and erased the
deficit.
Marques Green
(170-G-82, college:
St.Bonaventure) and
Pero Antic put F.Y.R. Macedonia in front 30:29 but Glebov
capped the first half with a jumper as Ukraine entered the third
term up by one 31:30. The teams stayed close in the third term
but it was
Pero Antic who proved the difference. The forward knocked
down 10 points as F.Y.R. Macedonia earned a 50:48 lead with ten
minutes remaining. Glebov drew things level at the start of the
fourth quarter but unstoppable
Pero Antic fired from downtown to keep the visitors ahead.
Vojdan Stojanovski
(194-G-87) and Sokolov drained back-to-back triples as F.Y.R.
Macedonia posted a 61:55 lead late in the quarter.
Todor Gecevski
(209-C-77, agency:
Interperformances) and
Pero Antic stretched the gap to 9 points and F.Y.R.
Macedonia never looked back en route to the win.
Todor Gecevski provided 16 points for F.Y.R. Macedonia.
Vojdan Stojanovski added 11 points in the victory.
Serhiy Lishchuk
(210-C/F-82, agency:
Beo Basket) responded with 11 points for Ukraine.
Denys Lukashov
(190-G-89) top-scored with 12 points in the loss.
Group C
Portugal - Bulgaria
59-67
Bulgaria posted the first win at the 2011 EuroBasket Qualifying
Round. They upset Portugal in Ovar to climb at 1-0 record in
Group C.
Filip Videnov
(196-F/G-80, agency:
Interperformances, college:
W.Kentucky) came up with 17 points to pace the charge. The
lead changed hands for several times throughout the opening
quarter. Bulgaria finally capped the period with 12:2 rally to
earn a 22:15 lead. Bulgaria hung on to the lead throughout the
second frame. Portugal were able to trim the deficit at just one
point midway through the stanza but Bulgaria posted a 40:35 lead
at halftime.
Filip Videnov opened a double-digit lead for the visitors
early in the third quarter. However Portugal first cut the
deficit to minimum and then crowned the period with four points
in a row to gain a 54:53 lead. Fernandez opened the fourth
quarter with a three-pointer to boost the margin. But
Filip Videnov and Velikov stepped up with 10 points as
Bulgaria regained control. Bulgaria kept the hosts scoreless for
more than six final minutes of regulation to celebrate an
important victory at the end.
Chavdar Kostov (196-G-88, agency:
Interperformances) nailed 12 points for Bulgaria.
Zlatin Georgiev
(195-G-85) accounted for 8 points in the win.
Heshimu Evans (198-F-75, college:
Kentucky) replied with 19 points and 9 rebounds for
Portugal.
Joao Santos (205-C-79, college:
Nevada) had 10 points in the loss. Georgia - Poland
84-65
Georgia surprised Poland in Tbilisi in Group C opener. The teams
exchanged the wins in the first half quarters, while Georgia won
the second half at the EuroBasket qualifying campaign for 84:65
win. Poland will need to regroup before hosting Portugal on
Thursday, but Georgia will head to Belgium.
Thomas Kelati
(195-G/F-82, agency:
Beo Basket, college:
Washington St.) upset the home crown driving a lay-up, while
Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) later tied it at 10:10.
Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) brought 14:13, while
Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) scored for 19:19. Poland finished
the quarter with 5-0 run as Koszarek closed the frame at 24:19.
Manuchar Markoishvili
(195-G-86) nailed three for 31:27 and Shermadini made it 36:32.
The hosts won the second frame 26-16 to take 45:40 lead at the
halftime.
Zaza Pachulia increased the lead to 50:40 in the start of
the third frame and Georgia never looked behind after.
Giorgi Tsintsadze
(192-G-86) scored for 63:46, while
Thomas Kelati closed the frame at 63:49. Georgia added also
21-16 in the last quarter to surprise the Polish side that
looked awesome in the preparation games.
Thomas Kelati nailed three at the very end for the final
result.
Zaza Pachulia poured in 26 points for the winners, while
Viktor Sanikidze collected 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Giorgi Tsintsadze also scored 14, while
Manuchar Markoishvili netted 12.
Thomas Kelati ended up with 22 points in the losing effort.
Maciej Lampe nailed 21, while
Marcin Gortat (213-C-84) scored 10.
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