MIES (Switzerland) - After a breathtaking opening day of action, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers came back for a second day with another surprise as Hungary registered their first win over Finland in 29 years.
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: Zoltan Perl (HUN) - 23 Points: Zoltan Perl (HUN) - 25 Rebounds: Mikka Muurinen (FIN) - 8 Assists: Adam Somogyi (HUN) - 6 Steals: Marcell Pongo (HUN) / Norbert Lukacs (HUN) - 4 Blocks: Mikka Muurinen (FIN) - 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.
Results
Group E Croatia vs Cyprus (19:00 CET) Germany vs Israel (19:30 CET)
Group F Latvia vs Netherlands (18:30 CET) Poland vs Austria (20:45 CET)
Group G Hungary 89-82 Finland France vs Belgium (20:30 CET)
Group H Slovenia vs Estonia (18:00 CET) Czechia vs Sweden (19:30 CET)
FIBA