By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In the first game of Group B, Bosnia pushed Hungary down and has a fighting chance for a surprise against teams like Slovenia, France, Lithuania, and Germany. Bosnia got the 95-85 thanks to a 15-7 score in the last six minutes of a close game.
Jusuf Nurkic and Dzanan Musa with 19 points each were the top scorers of the winning side, naturalized guard John Roberson added 18 and Miralem Halilovic scored 16 as Bosnia had unexpected firepower.
Szilard Benke with 20 points and veteran leader Adam Hanga with 16 tried to make things happen in the first half when Hungary led even by eight and had a one-point advantage (46-45) after 20 minutes of action.
The story was different in the second half with Bosnia leading by 10 at the end of the third period (73-63) and Hungary making a comeback but ultimately falling short in the closing minutes. “We allowed them to play much more physical and get more possessions”, admitted Hanga. “Still it was a good effort and I want also to thank our fans”.
While this might end up being the only win of Bosnia in the group stage, considering the competition, gives them from the get-go a chance to fight for the fourth spot of the standings which means qualification to the Round of 16.