Bulgaria, Netherlands, Turkey, Belgium, Great Britain and France are the latest teams to punch their tickets to the FIBA EuroBasket 2022, meaning only two spots remain.
Bulgaria advanced after they defeated Latvia, 66-65, also ending Latvia’s streak of nine consecutive appearances at the FIBA EuroBasket in the process.
Dee Bost led the way for Bulgaria with 18 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Bulgaria are heading to their first EuroBasket since 2011.
The Netherlands erased a 13-point deficit and defeated Croatia 65-57, returning to the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 after missing out in 2017.
They also helped Turkey qualify with their win.
Turkey defeated Sweden 88-80, behind 24 points and 12 rebounds from 18-year-old Alperen Sengun.
Belgium took down Denmark, 88-65, behind 19 points from Retin Obasohan on 8-of-11 shooting from the field and 3-of-3 from three-point.
Luke Nelson sunk a buzzer beater to give Great Britain the win over Germany, 83-81.
Nelson finished with 17 points and teammate Gabriel Olaseni had 20 points and eight rebounds.
France pulled out a close win over Montenegro, 73-71, after outscoring them 18-9 in the final seven minutes.
Thomas Heurtel led the way with 16 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The two spots up for grabs will be filled by one team from Group B, either Estonia (2-2) or North Macedonia (0-4) and one team from Group C, either Lithuania (3-2) or Denmark (2-3).
In Group B, Estonia’s remaining games are against Russia on Feb. 21 and North Macedonia on Feb. 22, while North Macedonia’s final two games are against Italy on Feb. 21 and Estonia on Feb. 22.
In Group C, Lithuania and Denmark only have one game left when they face off against each other on Feb. 22.
The winner of that game will advance to the FIBA EuroBasket 2022.
