MIES (Switzerland) - After a breathtaking opening day of action, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers came back for a second day with more surprises as Hungary registered their first win over Finland in 29 years; Netherlands beat Latvia; and Estonia took down Slovenia in overtime.
The remaining 16 teams are in action across the continent on Friday after eight games were played on the opening day. The European Qualifiers action will continue on Sunday with the final games of the first window following on Sunday.
Daily Highs
Efficiency: Mario Hezonja (CRO) - 36 Points: Henri Drell (EST) - 29 Rebounds: Aeneas Jung (CYP) - 9 Assists: Ziga Samar (SLO) / Keye van der Vuurst (NED) - 8 Steals: Marcell Pongo (HUN) / Norbert Lukacs (HUN) / Gregor Hrovat (SLO) - 4 Blocks: Mikka Muurinen (FIN) / Mareks Mejeris (LAT) - 3
Hungary finally beat Finland again
Hungary picked up an upset to start their Group G campaign with an 89-82 home victory over Finland - their first win over the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Semi-Finalists in 29 years.
The hosts, who failed to reach this summer's EuroBasket, raced ahead 31-17 after 10 minutes and the lead was up to 26 points in the second period, which ended with the hosts up 60-39. Finland pulled within seven points in the final quarter but Hungary fought through for the win.
Perl finished with 25 points, Nate Reuvers had 16 points and 6 rebounds and Adam Somogyi chipped in 11 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Sasu Salin knocked down 5 three-pointers for 16 points to pace Finland.
How long has it been since Hungary beat Finland? Only three of the current Hungary players were even alive back on October 30, 1996. David Vojvoda was six years old and both Zoltan Perl and Szilard Benke were still just one year old.
The other game in Group G sees France welcoming Belgium.
Netherlands register big road win in Latvia
Netherlands registered a surprise of their own to tip off action in Group F with a 78-86 victory at Latvia. The Netherlands put together a dominant first 27 minutes in building a 60-37 lead in Riga. The hosts fought back into the game but could only cut the gap to seven points in the final frame as Netherlands won their first game over Latvia after two losses.
Nathan Kuta scored 17 points to pace five players in double figures and Keye van der Vuurst collected 16 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists. Rihards Lomazs' 17 points and 5 assists were not enough.
The other game in Group F was Poland playing at home against Austria.
Estonia win wild overtime thriller in Slovenia
Estonia and Slovenia gave basketball fans a real thriller in Group H and it was Estonia who came out on top 94-93 on the road in overtime. Kristian Kullamae drained the game-winner in the waning seconds after the end of regulation saw two scores in the final 4 seconds.
Estonia, who wasted an 11-point fourth quarter lead, were led by Henri Drell with 29 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks and Kullamae finished with 24 points. Gregor Hrovat scored 23 points in the loss.
Group H will finish later with Czechia facing Sweden.
Croatia roll past Cyprus with assists record
Croatia were never tested against Cyprus to start action in Group E with a dominant 100-60 home win. The hosts led 28-8 after 10 minutes and never took the foot off the gas dishing out a European Qualifiers record 32 assists.
Mario Hezonja scored 25 points with 7 rebounds and 6 assists in the win and Danko Brankovic scored 17 points while Filippos Tigkas had 14 points for Cyprus.
The other game in Group E is world and European champions Germany at home versus Israel.
Results
Group E Croatia 100-60 Cyprus Germany vs Israel (19:30 CET)
Group F Latvia 78-86 Netherlands Poland vs Austria (20:45 CET)
Group G Hungary 89-82 Finland France vs Belgium (20:30 CET)
Group H Slovenia 93-94 (OT) Estonia Czechia vs Sweden (19:30 CET)
FIBA