Three overtimes later, it's an historic night for Denmark

NAESTVED (FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Qualifiers) - It took three overtimes, but Denmark have pulled off arguably the upset of the Qualifiers thus far, defeating Germany 106-102.

Wins in international competition do not come often for the Scandinavians, so the fact it came against the EuroBasket 2015 co-hosts made it all the more reason to saviour the historic win.

Denmark's previous victory came in the EuroBasket 2015 First Qualification Round, when they defeated Luxembourg both home and away, the most recent of those two wins coming on 16 August 2013.

"I said it when we got here: We are going to win on my birthday." - Alan Voskuil

Following a 32-19 second quarter, Denmark dared to believe an upset was on the cards, taking an 11-point buffer into the break. However, like they have done before in this campaign, Germany surged back after the half, tying the game on a Paul Zipser three late in regulation. 

Again in the first overtime, it was Germany coming from behind, this time tying late on a Danilo Barthel lay-up. Germany's superior experience then looked like it would shine through in the second overtime, running the lead out to six points, but Denmark was not about to roll over, coming back to force the third and final overtime, where they finally prevailed.

For Denmark's Alan Voskuil, who led the way on the night with 22 points, there was an additional, special significance to celebrate on Saturday, the day marking his 30th birthday.

"I said it when we got here: We are going to win on my birthday and we won, it is a great present. It just shows how much heart and fight we have as a team, we are not going to give up, we are here to win." 

The victory adds even more intrigue to what was already shaping up to be the most interesting group of the Qualifiers. Following this loss, Germany now drop to 2-2 - the same record as Austria - whilst Netherlands go alone at the top with a 3-1 record, following their win on the road in Austria on Saturday night.

FIBA