Cyprus let a 13-point lead slip out of their hands, but still held on for a 69-67 win over Portugal in Nicosia as the Eurobasket 2021 pre-qualifers got underway on Thursday.
Vasilios Kounas made a late shot and drew a foul with just over a minute to go in the game. That made it a two-possession game, and while he missed the additional free throw, it didn’t cost Cyprus, as Tomas Barrosso missed a three-pointer at the buzzer for Portugal.
Kounas led the winners with 20 points.
Richard Hendrix dominated for the FYR of Macedonia as they overcame Slovak Republic on the road 74-66.
Hendrix posted all-around stats of 21 points, 14 rebounds, four steals and two blocks.
Albania put up a fight, but Armenia started the Eurobasket 2021 pre-qualifiers with an 80-63 away win on Thursday.
The Albanians though were in this one, down by four after 20 minutes, Armenia though switched through the gears after the break, exploding for an 18-4 spell early in the third to grab a 60-42 lead. Ryan Boatright had 21 points and 14 assists for the winners
