MINSK (Belarus) - Maksim Salash and Artsiom Parakhouski played starring roles to lead Belarus to an impressive 84-70 triumph over Turkey to start their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers campaign in style.

The experienced duo combined for 42 points in the win as Belarus signalled their intentions in front of their home fans to pull off the opening upset.

Turning point: Belarus made their move in the second quarter - after a cagey opening - as they opened up a double-digit cushion with a 16-3 burst that was started and ended by Salash. Turkey rallied to close within two points at 66-64 with 6:20 left in the fourth, but the hosts hit back with a decisive run of 15 unanswered points to take the win in style.

Game heroes: Salash did the bulk of his scoring early on and finished with a game-high of 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting, while Parakhouski had an efficiency rating of 26 with 16 points along with 9 rebounds and 4 blocks in a crucial effort on the defensive end.

Stats don't lie: Belarus shot a high percentage (55 percent) from the field to counter their total of 18 turnovers, whilst they also won the battle of the boards (39-28) as Turkey were unable to make the most of taking 15 more shots than their opponents.

Bottom line: A big win for Belarus, particularly with the double-digit margin as points differential could prove invaluable. They lay down the early marker in Group B with a trip to face Greece on Sunday, while Turkey attempt to bounce back when they host Great Britain as they look to avoid another winless window - which was how they began the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 Qualifiers.

They said: "I think it was all about desire, who wants it more wins these games, because there is little time to prepare, and today we wanted it more. A huge thanks to the fans for pushing us, everybody gave 100-percent tonight." - Belarus forward, Maksim Salash.

"I think it's always easier to start off with a win, and I give all the credit to my players for the win. I think their intensity was at a great level, the team play was excellent and I hope it will stay like that through the rest of the Qualifiers. We'll now go to Greece to try and play at the same level." - Belarus head coach, Rotislav Vergun.

"Tonight was a tough loss for us, but it was just the first game and we have got to focus on the Sunday and win the game against Great Britain. I believe in my team and in the organisation, and I believe we can make it." - Turkey forward, Metecan Birsen.

FIBA