ONE | system
Jan Wesley (Reuters)
The game that opened the third EuroBasket round was Israel’s first loss in the tournament, when Guy Goodes’ team surrendered today (Monday) 85:76 to Poland, and missed an opportunity to secure qualification for the next stage already today. In the second game at the Israeli home, the Czech Republic defeated the Netherlands 80:88 and left the dream of advancing to the next level in life. Later this evening, the Serbian team will face the Finnish team.
The Czech victory today left the host a chance to advance to the next stage when tomorrow they will play against Finland and hope to achieve another victory. On the other hand, Israel’s loss today and the fact that tomorrow Goodes’ team will play against the strong Serbia, increase the pressure on the Israeli team which may finish with the same balance as the Czechs which may drag the team in blue and white to a final and decisive game in Prague.
Czech Republic – Netherlands 80:88
In front of the home crowd in Prague, Nano Ginzburg and his players achieved their first victory in EuroBasket after a huge battle against the Orange, who practically lost their chances to continue to the next level. The game should have been easier for the host team, but a tremendous comeback by the Oranges, who cut a 23-point deficit to single digits, almost ruined the Czech Republic’s plans for the rest of the tournament. Jan Wesley as usual carried the Czechs on his back and led the scoring list with 24 points and important baskets in money time. On the Dutch side, Yannick Frank led the team with 22 points of his own.
