Cyprus optimistic after home tournament triumph

NICOSIA (FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Qualifiers) – Cyprus, who are set to return next week to a qualifying race for the FIBA EuroBasket following a four-year absence from the big stage, finished undefeated in an international warm-up tournament they organised in Nicosia at the weekend with the participation of fellow FIBA EuroBasket Qualifiers-bound Estonia and Albania, as well as Asian side Qatar.

The hosts and Estonia both won their respective first two games in the tournament and clashed on Sunday night for first place in the event. Cyprus raced to a double-digit lead already by the half-way point of the opening quarter and led by as many as 19 points in the third frame. Estonia used a blistering 14-0 run to reduce to 61-56 with just five minutes remaining to play, but the hosts held on to secure a 72-64 win on the night and the tournament title.

Anthony King paved the way for the winners with 18 points and five boards while Gregoris Pantouris added 16 points and six assists. Rain Veideman finished with 16 points for Estonia in a losing effort. In the other Sunday game, Albania came from behind to edge out Qatar 71-70, thanks to 21 points from point guard Elvisi Dusha, and clinched third place in the tournament.

"This tournament was important to us and the three games gave us the chance to test the team in a wide array of circumstances," commented Cyprus head coach Panagiotis Giannaras. "The most encouraging aspect is that our team showed it can adapt to the style of play of any opponent. At the same time we keep sight of our reference point, which is our defence, as the guys are giving help to each other very efficiently. We also maintain intensity throughout in our game and we show altruism on offence. This is further proof that we are a team and we will fight all together as one to achieve our goals."

Qatar are coached by Greek tactician Vassilis Fragkias who had worked in Cyprus for a number of years and offered his view on the chances of the tournament hosts in the upcoming qualifying race.

"Cyprus was the worthy winner of the tournament as they showed the best play of all teams here," Fragkias said. "I know they are drawn in a very difficult group in the EuroBasket Qualifiers, especially the fact they have to go up against a team like Belgium is not making things easy. But Cyprus has a very good coach and I think that if they can focus their efforts on earning second place in their group, they will have options to qualify to the EuroBasket."

FIBA