TBILISI (Georgia) - Serbia ensured they locked up a place at FIBA EuroBasket 2022 with a game to spare in the Qualifiers as their victory over Georgia also secured a spot for Finland.

The EuroBasket 2017 runners-up pulled clear in the second half on their way to a dominant 92-66 success to avenge their loss in Belgrade almost a year ago.

20-year-old center Filip Petrusev led the way in the win with a game-high of 27 points, while Danilo Andjusic was not far behind on 22 points as the duo helped inflict a first loss on the Group E leaders, Georgia.

Serbia had built a six-point advantage at half-time after a tight opening period before quickly establishing control to extend their lead into double figures in the third. The gap continued to grow as the scoring was spread out in a dominant 18-3 spell across quarters.

Earlier in the day, Finland had taken care of their business as they enjoyed a 92-84 victory over Switzerland behind a 21-point haul from Petteri Koponen. The experienced 32-year-old marked his return to the national side with an efficient 50-percent shooting from the floor, as well as 4 assists in the win.

Edon Maxhuni and Sasu Salin combined for an additional 32 points for their side with their spot at next year's Final Round being confirmed once Serbia defeated Georgia to avoid the possibility of missing out in a three-way tie on Gameday 6.

Switzerland see their hopes of advancing end with their only success in the group coming in the form of their shock 92-90 triumph over Serbia in the November window - with the two teams set to meet again on Sunday to round out their campaigns.

FIBA