KOPER (Slovenia) - Slovenia showed their spirit in Koper by overcoming Austria for an 85-78 victory in Group F of the FIBA EuroBasket 2021 Qualifiers, having had to repel a second-half fightback.

The reigning EuroBasket champions bounced back from their defeat in Hungary on Gameday 1, though they saw an 18-point lead wiped out before coming through for the win.

Turning Point: Slovenia looked in command at the half-time break having led by as many as 41-23. However, Austria came out firing in the third period as they poured in 35 points to open up the contest and take the lead. They were still ahead at 67-65 early in the fourth, but the hosts stepped up with a 17-5 spell that proved decisive.

Game Hero: Klemen Prepelic and Edo Muric provided the scoring power in the first half, but Jordan Morgan showed out in the second half on his home debut. A run of eight consecutive points in the fourth kept Austria at bay and Morgan finished with 19 points - in a tie with Muric - to go with 7 rebounds.

Stats Don't Lie: With both teams over-reliant on their outside shooting at times, Slovenia found success inside when it mattered and finished with 60 percent accuracy, including 34 points in the paint as they attacked the basket.

Bottom Line: Not at their best, but Slovenia have an all-important win on the board. They'll resume their campaign at home to Ukraine in November, but have another qualifying task on their hands prior to that as they attempt to make it to Tokyo via FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Kaunas, Lithuania. Positives to take for Austria even if they have made an 0-2 start.

FIBA