By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Russia became the first team that checks its ticket to the Eurobasket 2017.
In Day 4 of the qualifiers, the previously undefeated teams remained perfect and have now gained a huge upper hand regarding their own qualification.
Meanwhile two major upsets “stirred” the pot to bring a new interest in some Groups.
Group A
Belgium remained perfect in Nicosia, easily defeating Cyprus 72 – 55. The guests (Khalid Boukhichou 13 points, Kevin Tumba and Jonathan Tabu with 10 each) did all the job required for victory in the first half which they won 21 – 43 from their opponents (Nikos Stylianou 15 points).
“Still alive” screamed Switzerland to Iceland, winning 83 – 80 behind 19 points and 5 rebounds by David Ramseier and clinching its first positive result in the qualifiers. Manuel Hermannsson fought with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the “Vikings” but couldn’t avert the upset for his team.
Standings
Belgium 4 – 0
Iceland 2 – 2
Switzerland 1 – 3
Cyprus 1 – 3
Group B
It took no less than three (!) overtimes for the winner between Denmark and Germany to be decided. In the end, the Danish won this epic battle 106 – 102 celebrating their first victory in the qualifiers.
The protagonist of this major upset was Alan Voskuil who finished the match with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Jonathan Gilling also provided 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, plus some key baskets in crucial moments of this… 55-minute match.
A fantastic match by Daniel Barthel (26 points, 10 rebounds) wasn’t enough for Germany that has now suffered its second defeat in a row.
Playing some excellent defense in the second half where they received only 23 points, the Netherlands got a second consecutive win away from home, this time downing Austria 75 – 61. Worthy De Jong and Jessey Voorn paced the Dutch with 19 points each, while Rasid Mahalbasic scored 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for the game’s hosts.
Standings
The Netherlands 3 – 1
Germany 2 – 2
Austria 2 – 2
Denmark 1– 3
Group C
Russia became the first team that obtained a ticket to the Eurobasket 2017 after beating Bosnia 78 – 67 in Tuzla. The trio of Timofey Mozgov 17 points ,6 rebounds), Andrey Vorontsevich (16 points, 8 rebounds) and Sergey Karasev (15 points, 5 assists) got the job done for the winning side.
Mirza Teletovic was the top scorer for Bosnia (23 behind 7/21 shots) while Jusuf Nurkic contributed a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds.
Standings
Russia 4 – 0
Bosnia 1 – 2
Sweden 0 – 2
Sweden had the day off
Group D
By outrebounding Estonia 43 – 26, Belarus made up for its 18 turnovers and grabbed a 79 – 63 victory. The double-double of Vitali Liutych (19 points, 11 rebounds) paced the winners while Tanel Kurbas (13 points) was the top scorer from the Estonian side.
Poland (Mateusz Ponitka 17 points, 7 rebounds) faced some difficulties against a tough Portugal (Jose Silva 16 points, 5 rebounds) in Lisbon but ultimately managed to subdue its hosts 81 – 74.
Standings
Poland 4 – 0
Estonia 2 – 2
Belarus 2 – 2
Portugal 0 – 4
Group E
“No Dragic bros, no problem” was Slovenia‘s motto in the match vs Kosovo. Even without its star players, coach Kokoskov’s team easily surpassed the obstacle of Kosovo with a 91 – 81 win and Klemen Prepelic (27 points, 9 rebounds) doing some amazing stuff. As did Justin Doellman (30 points, 5 rebounds) but couldn’t defeat the Slovenians on his own.
With 19 points by Vyacheslav Kravtsov and Denys Lukashov adding 14 along with 6 assists, Ukraine took a valuable 72 – 67 road win over Bulgaria. Apart from their stars, Sasha Vezenkov (19 points) and Dee Bost (12 points, 5 rebounds)), the hosts did not find much help for the rest of their players.
Standings
Slovenia 4 – 0
Ukraine 3 – 1
Bulgaria 1 – 3
Kosovo 0 – 4
Group F
After last week’s home loss in the hands of Montenegro, Georgia returned to victories by overpowering Albania 84 – 64 in Tirana.
Coach Zouros’ frontline did most of the “dirty job”, with Zaza Pachulia scoring 20 points and dishing 5 assists, Tornike Shengelia, registered a double-double of 12 points, 10 rebounds and Giorgi Shermadini adding 15 points plus 7 rebounds. once again, Rashaun Broadus (26 points) was the top player for Albania.
Too much Montenegro for Slovakia. Nikola Vucevic (17 points, 5 rebounds) and co showcased their strength by downing their opponents (Michal Batka 13 points, 6 rebounds) 99 – 62 and continue undefeated.
Standings
Montenegro 4 – 0
Georgia 3 – 1
Slovakia 1 – 3
Albania 0 – 4
Group G
Adam Hanga was a one-man orchestra, “touching” the triple-double (18 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists) and leading Hungary to a 88 – 80 road victory vs Great Britain. The “Huns” are still undefeated, while the Brits (Gabe Olaseni 17 points, 8 rebounds) fell to a 2-2 record.
With Alexandar Kostoski (20 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists) being… everywhere for his team, FYROM grabbed a crucial 82 – 74 road victory over Luxemburg (Alex Laurent 25 points), getting back to the qualification race. Romeo Travis also delivered the goods for the winners with 18 points plus 4 rebounds.
Standings
Hungary 4 – 0
Great Britain 3 – 1
FYROM 2 – 2
Luxemburg 0 – 4