By Dionysis Aravantinos info@eurohoops.net
The final score was 88 – 86 as Bulgaria beat Iceland and remained alive in the hunt for the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Even if Aleksandar Vezenkov got hit by a cup on the face in a time-out, with his 19 points (8/16 FG) and seven rebounds he willed Bulgaria past Iceland for Group F. Stanimir Marinov added 13 points and five assists.
In the final period, Iceland made a run and tried to challenge the hosts, with Hlynur Baeringsson (16 points) leading the way, but it wasn’t enough.
In the other game of the group, the Czech Republic defeated Finland in a close battle (77 – 73). Vojtech Hruban was clutch for the winners and he scored a game-high, impressive 30 points, while Lauri Markkanen was relatively quiet with 13.
Currently, Bulgaria has a 2-3 record and needs a win in the final game day against the Czech Republic. Finland and Iceland also have a 2-3 record, will play against each other for the final game, and the qualification. It is a must-win for both teams.
For Group G, Serbia easily got past Georgia on the road, winning by 30+ points (50 – 87), as Dejan Todorovic scored a game-high 24 points.
Photo Credit: FIBA