By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Svi Mykhailiuk’s return to the Ukrainian national team was a mighty one. The L.A. Lakers forward scored 22 points (5/9 3-pointers) to help Ukraine begin Round 2 of the World Cup Qualifiers to 76 – 65 win over previously unscathed Spain.
It wasn’t just scoring however for the Lakers rookie. In the 26 minutes he stayed on the floor, Mykhailiuk also had five (!) steals, three rebounds and three assists as Ukraine improved its Group I record to 4-3 and keep its World Cup dreams more than alive.
Viacheslav Kravtsov added 13 points and Denys Lukashov 11 for Ukraine. From the Spanish side, Quino Colom had 14 points and four assists, Sergio Rodriguez 13 points (5/14 from the field) and Oriol Pauli 11 points.
Despite the loss, Spain remains at the top of the Group with a 6 -1 record.