Spain and France tipped off the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers with big victories over North Macedonia and Montenegro, respectively.
The Spanish team cruised to an easy win over North Macedonia (65-94) and leads the way in Group G. For its part, Georgia, led by CSKA Moscow star forward Tornike Shengelia, defeated Ukraine (88-83) and started the Qualifiers in the best way possible.
On Monday, Spain will host Georgia, while Ukraine will play North Macedonia.
France rallied past Montenegro at home (73-67) in the opener of Group E. At the same time, Hungary edged Portugal (75-81) and the two teams are on top of the group.
Hungary will now host France on Monday, with the winner closing the first window on top. In the other game, Montenegro will face Portugal.
Group F opener saw Lithuania triumph over Bulgaria (89-69), while Bosnia-Herzegovina earned the home win over the Czech Republic (97-90).
In the second day of the first window, Bosnia will face Bulgaria, while Lithuania will square off with the Czech Republic. Both games will take place on Monday.
Russia triumphed over Italy in a clash between two European powerhouses (92-78). The other match of Group H saw Iceland survive a late thriller over the Netherlands (77-79).
The action in Group G continues on Monday, with Italy playing the Netherlands and Russia hosting Iceland.
