MUNICH (Germany) - The Second Round of the European Pre-Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 continued with wins for Croatia, Hungary, Netherlands, and Ukraine on Saturday.
We have now reached the halfway point, as one side from each of the four groups, which houses a total of 12 teams, will secure their spot in the European Qualifiers.
Ukraine bounces back with a win
After a heartbreaking loss in their opening game to Switzerland, Ukraine rebounded with an 80-71 victory over Slovakia - effectively opening up Group D as all three teams now own 1-1 records.
However, the Ukrainians had to come back from an early deficit, as Slovakia started hot from the field and even led by 12 points at one stage in the first quarter.
Ukraine, though, hit back to knot the game at 24-24 after one, and breezed to victory, led by 23 points, 6 assists, and 5 steals from Issuf Sanon. Meanwhile, Timotej Malovec led Slovakia with 19 points and 6 rebounds.
Netherlands down Bulgaria to stay perfect
The Netherlands improved to 2-0 in Group F following an 81-70 road win over Bulgaria, with David N'Guessan the star once again.
N'Guessan went for 24 points off 11-of-15 shooting, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks to lead the Dutch to victory as they prepare for a crunch tie against Austria that could prove pivotal to qualification for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers.
Aleksandar Ivanov Stoimenov led Bulgaria with 18 points, but they slumped to 0-2, and in desperate need of a first success.
Hungary ease past North Macedonia
Hungary accelerated away from North Macedonia to win 96-58 to get off the mark in Group E.
The home side led from start to finish, with a lead as large as 41 points, thanks in part to a 15-point contribution from Marcell Pongo. Jacob Wiley paced North Macedonia with 15 points, but they drop to 0-2 ahead of their next game with Romania.
Croatia go to 2-0 with success over Denmark
Croatia overcame a pumped-up Denmark side to beat them 100-71 and improve to 2-0 in Group G.
In the early stages of the contest, the visiting Danes matched their established counterparts blow for blow, but once the hosts established a 15-14 lead with just over two minutes to play in the first, they couldn't be stopped.
Jaleen Smith was a living, breathing firework all game long, as he led all scorers with 24 points and 6 assists, helped along by Dario Saric's 18.
Bakary Dibba led Denmark with 17 points, who dropped their first game in the Second Round of these Qualifiers.
Daily Highs
Efficiency: David N'Guessan (NED) - 33 Points: David N'Guessan (NED) / Jaleen Smith (CRO) - 24 Rebounds: David N'Guessan (NED) / Gyorgy Goloman (HUN) - 11 Assists: Multiple players - 6 Steals: Issuf Sanon (UKR) - 5 Blocks: Multiple players - 2
FIBA