EuroBasket 2021 First Round Qualifiers - February 22nd-25th
Over the weekend, Europe's nine lowest-ranked sides took to the court to continue their long fight for a spot in the next edition of EuroBasket, with teams putting in impressive displays and crowds teated to some tense, exciting encounters on both game days.
Group A
Switzerland vs Slovakia. Image: FIBA.com
Switzerland and Slovakia were tied at the end of the first quarter, after which Peter Sedmak and Richard Korner helped give Slovakia control of the game, and in the third quarter they took their biggest lead at eleven points. Arnaud Cotture (23 points) and Marko Mladjan (21 points, 18 rebounds) were both outstanding for Switzerland, and they worked hard in the second half to level the scoreline. A jump shot from Marco Portannese sent the game into overtime. The teams exchanged baskets right to the last moments of the tense extra period, but at the death it was Switzerland emerged with a crucial victory for them, and by the slender margin of three points.
Slovakia's next game was against Macedonia, and this time it was far more one-sided affiar. The Macedons' defence, play in the paint and shot consistency saw them overwhelm Slovakia, particularly in the first half. Richard Hendricks was outstanding for Macedonia in this one, putting up 23 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Martin Bilik and Richard Korner did all they could to try and change the fortunes for Slovakia, putting up seven three-pointers between them in the game. Despite their big push in the second quarter, it would not be enough for Slovakia to overcome Macedonia. The Slovaks remain winless in the group while Macedonia are yet to see defeat.
Group B
Denmark vs Albania. Image: FIBA.com
Denmark started to stamp their authority over Albania toward the end of the first quarter. They scored more than 50% from the field and made an impressive sixteen three pointers, with Gabriel Lundberg scoring a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds. Klaudio Ndoja did his best to try and change his team’s fortunes, but his 29 points in the game would not be enough to overcome Denmark, who remain unbeaten in Group B with an 82-69 win.
Albania then got their hopes up after going seven points in front early on against Armenia. Good play from Armenia in both the low post and from outside put them back on top at the end of the first quarter. Bryant Dunston did not suit up fro Armenia this time, but with AJ Hess knocking down five three-pointers on his way to 21 points and a great double-double from Lucas Fischcer, they didn’t need him. Armenia kept Albania at bay with pressure on both ends of the floor, eventually winning 84-65.
The results here mean Albania can not advance to the next round, while Denmark and Armenia's meeting in June will be the decider in Group B.
Group C
Cyprus held Luxembourg to single digits in all but the second quarter, in which the team put up 26 points, narrowing their deficit from 15 to 5. Cyrpus, though, dominated here behind some terrific long-range shooting, including eleven threes, and an amazing performance from Andreas Sizopoulos, who had 26 points and scored 83% of all his shot attempts. Cyprus took their most comfortable win of the qualifiers so far here, 67 points to 53.
It was hard to call early on between Portugal and Cyprus with both teams evenly matched both on offence and defence, which was reflected in the continually even scoreline. The deadlock was broken mid-way through the second quarter, after Portugal put up eleven unanswered points. After which, Cyprus found it hard to get back into this one. Tomas Barroso had a great game off the bench for Portugal, leading all scorers with 18 points which included five from three-point territory. Cyprus were solid but unspectacular as they fell to Portugal by eight points.
Although the results here were conclusive, it's still all to play for in Group C. All three teams still have a chance of making the next round, and that there are no more match-ups between Cyprus and Portugal to come makes the final two games in the group all the more exciting and interesting.
For more on the early-stage qualifiers for EuroBasket 2021, including full information on all the games, visit FIBA's official website.
