EuroBasket 2017 - Days 4 & 5 Report
Two more days of play EuroBasket 2017 saw the same mix of big team dominance, surprises and exuberance that have already been on show in this increasingly exciting tournament.
Kristofer Acox had a big first quarter for Iceland against France, but it was a momentum the team could not keep up, despite 23 points from Jon Arnor Steffansson. Unfazed and unmoved by Iceland's start, France high-attacking, exuberant play saw them run out winners by the biggest margin of the tournament so far. Iceland's first win in the tournament remains elusive, despite the best efforts of their fans:
Luka Doncic was getting it all done for Slovenia against Greece, finding chances for both himself and his team mates. He would finish as the game's top scorer with 22 points. Thanks to some good inside play from Georgios Papagianis, Greece took the lead in the second half. Slovenia remained calm and stuck to their game plan, and led by their captain Goran Dragic overcame the late surge from Greece to remain undefeated in the group, winning 78-72 against Greece.
Finland v Poland featured a big offensive contest between Mateusz Ponitka and Lauri Markkanen, who continued his high scoring streak, finishing this game with 27 points. Finland had the early advantage, to which Poland recovered at the mid point and went into the lead. Finland recovered a deficit as high as nine, with Markkanen making a final slam dunk to send the game into overtime. After two extra periods, Finland's pressure on offence finally saw them take the game by just three points. They move to 2-1 in the group with their win over Poland.
Ukraine built on their play they showed in their previous game against Italy, their big men giving them an early 8-0 run, to which Georgia recovered thanks to good interior offence from Giorgi Shermandini. It became one of the most extravagant games of the tournament, with both teams regularly slamming the ball down. Denis Lukashov gave Ukraine one last late push to ensure them their first win of the tournament, 88-81 over Georgia.
Italy's frontcourt got it done for them early against Lithuania, but the Baltic Giants' fought back with their three-point shooting - one three coming from Adas Juskevicius tied the scores at the end of the first quarter. Threes kept coming from both sides, but some great plays from Mindaugus Kuzminskas, who had 14 points, kept Lithuania in front. Lithuania return to their dominant ways with a 78-73 win over Italy.
Israel had to fight against Germany, whose starting players consistently made big hits throughout the game. Behind their boisterous, excited fans, Israel made a big push behind 23 points and 9 rebounds from Richard Howell to fight back against Germany, who kept it tight throughout. Guy Pnini made a crucial three-pointer in the final minute to give Israel the push they needed, winning by just two points over Germany.
Hungary went on an early scoring run against Czech Republic and did not look back. Adam Hanga was sublime with 31 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists, while David Vojvoda was equally impressive scoring from close range. Lukas Palyza did a lot to try and get the Czechs back into the game, but Hungary continued to run rampant and took their first win of EuroBasket 2017, 85-73 over Czech Republic.
Against Montenegro, Croatia shared the ball well and their players were able to consistently find the best spots on the floor. Behind their big men, however, Montenegro came back in the second half, and Tyrese Rice made it a one-point game with 45 seconds on the clock. Dario Saric responded knifing through the Montenegrin defence and laying the ball up to make sure the result was no longer in doubt, ensuring what would finish as a four-point Croatian victory.
Romania had an early lead against Spain thanks to excellent early team play, and in particular from Vlad Moldoveanu, who was once again central to Romania's game. No sooner, though, did Spain find their groove. First class on defence, the fast break and with their outside shooting, Spain would win the game by a huge margin of 41 points.
Kristaps Porzingis was once again superb at the rim for Latvia, outmatching a big shooting effort from Great Britain, who made 60 points from inside the arc. Another double-double from Gabe Olaseni (23 points, 10 rebounds) helped Great Britain to get to within five, but ultimately it wasn't good enough to match Porzingis and Davis Bertans who inspired Latvia to a 97-92 victory.
A tight second half between Belgium and Russia, who had the lead for the first part, saw their advantage cut down by good inside play from Axel Hervelle and Jonathan Tabu. Timofey Mozgov responded for his team with some great inside play to ensure their grip on the game, and the unbeaten group record when the clock ran out. Russia took this one 76-67.
Serbia against Turkey was a game of contrasts - Serbia playing well as a team while Turkey's game was more about individual heroics. Serbia had the advantage, their play helping them get plenty of open looks and finding gaps through the Turkish defence. Turkey’s three-point shooting saw them overcome a deficit and take the lead, but Serbia forged ahead to ensure they were the team that finished with the winning record, taking this one 80-74.
Keep up to date with EuroBasket 2017 by visiting the tournament's official website.
