MUNICH (Germany) - The final three teams have sealed their passage into the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers after the thrilling conclusion of the Pre-Qualifiers.
Ukraine, Switzerland and the Netherlands have all qualified after a nail-biting last round of action.
Ukraine punches ticket with win over Slovakia
A fourth-quarter blitz from Ukraine led to an eventual 98-86 victory over Slovakia in a physical encounter that was otherwise close throughout. The win sealed Ukraine's place, and also Switzerland's passage to the Qualifiers.
Taking a slender 69-67 advantage going into the final ten minutes, Ukraine were hanging on in a game that could have gone either way. However, after the two teams traded buckets in the early stages of the fourth, Ukraine made its move midway through with a 9-0 run that changed the landscape of the game.
Youngster Oleksandr Kovliar impressed with an eye-popping 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists for the winners. Timotej Malovec drained five triples for 28 points in vain for Slovakia.
Netherlands book Qualifiers ticket; beat Bulgaria
Netherlands booked the final ticket to the FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers with a convincing 97-70 win over Bulgaria.
After a slow first period, the Dutch raced out of the blocks in the second quarter to take a 51-41 lead at the half, and from there, they never looked back.
Keye van der Vuurst produced a stunning double-double of 22 points and 13 assists in the win as the Netherlands booked their ticket, eliminating the Bulgarians, who were led by 15 from Ivan Alipiev.
Saric ices win for perfect Croatia
It needed clutch free throws from Dario Saric with 9.8 seconds to go to help Croatia end its Pre-Qualifying journey with a 100 percent record, but they came away with a narrow 79-76 win on the road to Denmark.
Despite the loss, Denmark also qualified from the previous round of games. Adam Heede-Andersen had a look from the top to force overtime, but his three missed the mark.
Saric led Croatia with 30 points and 8 rebounds in a stellar showing, with 12 of those points coming from the foul line. Bakary Dibba had 19 for Denmark.
North Macedonia ends on positive note; beat Hungary
With pride to play for, North Macedonia produced just that as they beat Hungary 82-75 in their final Pre-Qualifier.
From the final minute of the first period, North Macedonia took the lead and never relinquished their advantage, as the lead peaked at 17 points. Hungary did mount a fightback, but it was too late.
Jacob Wiley paced North Macedonia with 23 points and 4 rebounds. David Vojvoda led already qualified Hungary with 21.
FIBA