By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Both Poland and Finland clinched a berth to the next round but one more Group D team will make the trip to Berlin, either Israel or the Group D host Czech Republic.
The latest spectacular display produced by Lauri Markkanen sent Finland to a 98-88 victory against the Czech Republic Tuesday.
Recently acquired by the Utah Jazz, the Finnish forward registered 34 points with 9/20 from the field and 13/14 free throws. He was already averaging 22.7 points per game in 2022 EuroBasket. The latest solid showing at Prague’s O2 Arena produced his second double-double in the tournament behind ten rebounds versus the Czechs.
Representing the Basketball Champions League reigning champion Lenovo Tenerife, Sasu Salin chipped in 23 points, including five triples. The total of 15/32 from beyond the arc was a huge boost sending the team coached by Lassi Tuovi to the Round of 16.
In the lead for only 33 seconds early in the first quarter, the hosts of the group were forced down to 1-3 and further trouble on potentially missing the cut of the national teams moving to Berlin for the knockout stage of EuroBasket.
Returning to action, Tomas Satoransky was limited to 1/8 field goals and two points but managed to post ten assists in the losing effort. Vojtech Hruban finished with 22 points to his name. Jan Vesely fouled out with 15 points.
Poland also clinches
Despite trailing for nearly 25 minutes, Poland outscored the Netherlands, 27-14, in the fourth quarter to claim the clinching win, 75-69. Up 3-1, extending the run into Berlin has been secured. Michal Sokolowski packing 24 points and Olek Balcerowski with 16 points paved the way.
Meanwhile, the team coached by Maurizio Buscaglia was eliminated from contention as Charlon Kloof’s 26 points fell short.
In the third game of the day, Nikola Jokic went for an efficiency rating of 46 powering Serbia to the win, 89-78, versus Israel.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL