Unreal Eldi Hysa hands Albania their first win; Georgia up to 4-0
MATOSINHOS (Portugal) - Eldi Hysa did a little bit of everything for Albania to give them their first win of the event, but they will not see Quarter-Finals, as they finished the group at 1-3.
Hysa had 9 points, 14 assists, 8 rebounds and 7 steals in Albania's 73-68 triumph against Romania, which kept Romania winless in Group B. But it did not change a lot for Albania's fate either, since Bulgaria and Czech Republic are still holding onto their perfect records.
Czech Republic dished out 30 assists against Finland, cruising to a 105-79 win and booking their ticket to the Quarter-Finals. Jan Zidek scored 23 points, but Vit Krejci was the most efficient player with 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field, plus 8 assists and 4 rebounds. Czech team will battle Bulgaria in a direct duel for the number one seed in the group ahead of the elimination rounds.
Estonia joined the numbers game by sending eight of their players to double digit scoring against Armenia in a 99-41 blowout, but Estonia will need to defeat Georgia on Wednesday to have any chance of advancing. Points difference is not working in their favor, either, the -27 defeat to the Netherlands could send them packing even in a potential three-way tie at 4-1.
Georgia will try to prevent it and finish the Group Phase at 5-0. All 12 players scored for coach Milos Gligorijevic to get an 86-52 win over Kosovo and join Russia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Portugal and Belgium as the only remaining unbeaten teams in all four groups.
Top scorer of the day: Zidek of Czech Republic scored 23, a total that was matched only by Mike Feipel of Luxembourg, but he could not help avoid a 93-64 defeat to North Macedonia.
Top rebounder of the day: Neemias Queta is enjoying all the home cooking. Portugal's big man had 18 points and a day-high 14 rebounds to guide the hosts to a 76-61 victory against Slovakia.
Top passer of the day: Hysa's 14 assists are so impressive that we had to count how it compares to other teams. Albania's hero had more assist by himself than nine other teams had on Tuesday in Portugal!
Top thief of the day: Hysa again, he had 7 steals against Romania.
Top blocker of the day: Aleksi Aaro Ilmari Liukko rejected 3 shots for Finland against Czech Republic. Eraldo Nikoci had 3 blocks for Albania against Romania.
FIBA
