Group A
Bosnia & Herzegovina started their campaign with an 80-67 win over Great Britain in London, thanks to a sublime showing from Mirza Teletovic.
The Brooklyn Nets forward poured in 25 points to lead the Bosnians to victory despite a late fightback from GB, turned a 60-37 deficit to 71-64 with four minutes remaining. A Teletovic step-back jumper though proved to be a dagger though and Bosnia won the game from the foul line.
Dan Clark led Great Britain with 14 points. GB have made the last three Eurobaskets but with no funds available could be facing the end if they don’t win any of their next two games.
Group B
Israel held Netherlands to four points in the final 14 minutes to secure a 66-57 win in Groningen. It was their first win of the campaign after losing to Montenegro last week.
Guy Pnini led Israel with 16 points as they secured a vital away success.
Vladimir Dragicevic might have missed the last shot in regulation, but he hit eight of Montenegro’s 10 points in overtime to seal a 70-64 win over Bulgaria at home.
Dragicevic hit 20 points and pulled down 9 rebounds to lead the Montenegrins.
Group C
There was very nearly a shock result in Schwechat, but Germany eventually overcame a well-drilled Austria side 77-64. A 21-0 run in favour of the Germans over the last five minutes proved to be a telling factor, and an unfortunate reality for the Austrians.
Maximillion Kleber led Germany, who go to 2-0 with 20 points.
Poland hit 39 points in the third quarter, en route to a crushing 113-61 success over Luxembourg.
Szymon Szewczyk led the Poles with 20 points.
Group D
FYR of Macedonia are now 2-0 but made hard work of their 81-75 win over minnow hosts Denmark. The Macedonians led for all but 33 seconds of the game but could never pull away from the Danes.
The Macedonians has three players lead their scoring with 12 points, Darko Sokolov, Vojdan Stojanovski and Marko Simonovski.
“We can perform better, but Denmark seized their chance and made it a close game,” Macedonia’s Damjan Stojanovski said afterwards. “In the end I think we stepped up and secured the win, which was important to us.”
Belgium secured their first win of the group with a comfortable 71-57 success over Belarus in Charleroi.
Pierre-Antoine Gilet led the Lions with 15 points.
Group E
Hungary prevailed over Georgia 74-73 at home in what was a vital win, and a closely fought game throughout.
David Vojvoda led the Hungarians with 20 points as Tornike Shengelia missed two vital free throws, which would have handed Georgia the win.
“It’s a big day for Hungarian basketball,” Hungary coach Sztojan Ivokovics said. “Our players showed their talent, their skills. In their clubs they have no major role, but in the national team they have to step up. Today they did an excellent job.”
Czech Republic had no problems in overcoming Portugal 89-53. Tomas Satoransky led the Czechs with 18 points.
Group F
Romania surprised Sweden 77-72 in Siblu after a session of overtime as they move to an impressive 2-0.
Catalin Baciu led Romania with 18 points but it was Rares Mandache who steered the hosts to victory late on.
Latvia built a first quarter lead of 23-14 and never looked back in their 86-66 win over Slovak Republic in Riga.
Kaspers Berzins led Latvia with 18 points and 8 rebounds.
Group G
Italy edged Russia 65-63 in Moscow, as the Russians drop to 0-2 and in deep trouble.
Match report here
