BERLIN (Germany) - Dorka Juhasz and Virag Takacs-Kiss carried Hungary to a historic first FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup victory in 28 years, as they overcame Nigeria to keep their hopes of advancing alive in Berlin.
Hungary’s last World Cup victory came all the way back in 1998, when they defeated China in the quarter-finals to advance to the semi-finals, where their run eventually came to an end.
"I would like to say thank you to the fans for the way that they showed up because they were amazing," said Takacs-Kiss.
They way they showed up and supporting us yesterday even with a huge loss. We came out today and it felt like home.
"It was amazing and I had goosebumps."
Now, on their return to the competition for the first time since that tournament, Hungary have their first win to celebrate.
"We have special fans," said Reka Lelik who scored 14 points in the victory. "A lot of people came and to support us. Our game was very bad yesterday and they still supported us, so they can be a huge advantage against Korea as well.
"We really love our fans."
"We had the Hungarian spirit with all those Hungarian fans being the sixth man," Juhasz added.
Juhasz and Takacs-Kiss combined for 36 points, providing the offensive spark Hungary needed to bounce back from their heavy 99-53 defeat to France in their opening game.
"After yesterday's disappointment we needed to be more connected and to play with more fire, more heart and that was our focus," said Juhasz. "I am happy we kept our composure and connectivity."
The two players also combined for 30 rebounds in this game.
Before today, the most rebounds by a pair of teammates was 28; a combined 14 for Elena Baranova and 14 for Elena Khoudachova for Russia against Australia in 1998.
This game's rebounds by the Hungarian duo of 30 are the most by a pair of teammates.
*Since 1994
"Each of us showed character and I am so happy I can barely even talk - just about how we played and how aggressive we were. We beat a really good team," emphasized Takacs-Kiss.
Juhasz quickly emerged as a question Nigeria simply could not answer.
The forward dominated from the opening tip, putting together a powerful 13-point, 11-rebound first half as Hungary established control of the game. She finished the game with 19 points and 16 rebounds - one of the best games in her young career with the senior national team.
Nigeria found a way to regain some momentum, but Hungary never allowed their advantage to disappear. They maintained a comfortable lead for much of the second half, keeping Nigeria at arm’s length and protecting a lead that hovered around the 10-point mark.
A major part of Hungary’s success came in the paint. They dominated the battle down low at both ends of the floor, scoring 42 points in the paint while collecting 38 defensive rebounds, repeatedly denying Nigeria second-chance opportunities and controlling the interior.
A large part of that was Takacs-Kiss, who aside from scoring also provided Hungary with 14 rebounds and 2 blocks.
"Virag [Takacs-Kiss] was great and this has to be something that we both bring every single night. She showed leadership as a captain and she did a great job," said Juhasz about Hungary's captain.
Ranked 19th in the FIBA World Rankings and Nigeria 8th, Hungary became the second team of the day to produce a major upset, following Mali’s stunning takedown of Spain earlier in the day.
And with both underdogs claiming huge victories, the magic of Day 2 in Berlin continued.
Takacs-Kiss concluded: "I just hope we can continue. We have to believe there is even more energy in us."
FIBA