MUNICH (Germany) - Slovakia and Portugal both enjoyed home comforts, picking up vital victories as the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Pre-Qualifiers resumed.

Vladimir Brodziansky starred with 26 points and 12 rebounds to lead Slovakia to a crushing 91-67 success over previously unbeaten, Kosovo, in Group B.

The hosts opened up an early double-digit lead in Bratislava and never looked back as they joined their opponents on a 2-1 record with Tomas Pavelka also recording a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Portugal rounded out Thursday's action in Matosinhos as they overcame a slow start to beat Cyprus for their second win in Group A. Trailing by as many as six early, the bubble hosts found their rhythm in the second quarter to pull away for the eventual 74-56 victory.

Claudio Fonseca led a balanced scoring attack with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while Michalis Koumis did not miss in his 17 points for Cyprus to go with 7 rebounds and 2 assists.

Belarus edged closer to qualifying for the next round as they moved to 3-0 with a dominant 90-50 triumph against Albania. All 12 players got onto the scoresheet for the victors including a game-high 17 points from Artsiom Parakhousi.

Meanwhile, Iceland picked up their second win of the campaign as they defeated Luxembourg, 90-76, behind six players in double figures. Tryggvi Hlinason posted another double-double with 17 points and 11 boards, while Jon Axel Gudmundsson added 14 points and there were 13 points each for Aegir Steinarsson and Elvar Fridriksson.

Clancy Rugg put up 26 points in the loss for Luxembourg as they were condemned to 0-3 with their hopes taking a further blow.

Gameday 4 takes place on Saturday with four more games on the schedule including an important battle between Iceland and Kosovo.

FIBA