Germany bid Cologne farewell with confidence-booster against Hungary
COLOGNE (Germany) - Germany bounced back in fine fashion from their first loss at FIBA EuroBasket 2022 by rolling past Hungary 106-71 to head to Berlin and the Knockout Phase with some momentum.
The hosts Germany lost a night earlier 88-80 to reigning champions Slovenia but overwhelmed Hungary despite Dennis Schroder, Daniel Theis and Nick Weiler-Babb all resting.
Turning Point: Hungary were motivated to finally get a win and trailed just 35-34 midway through the second quarter. Germany turned on the firepower though and reeled off a 19-5 run to lead 54-39 at the break. Hungary would not get closer than 11 points in the second half.
TCL Player of the Game: Christian Sengfelder got into his first game in the tournament and the big man used his opportunity, pouring in 22 points to go along with 5 rebounds and a pair of assists.
Andreas Obst appreciation post.#EuroBasket x #BringTheNoise
— #EuroBasket 2022 (@EuroBasket) September 7, 2022
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Stats Don't Lie: Germany shot a blistering 63 percent from the field including a white-hot 18-of-35 for 51 percent from long range. The Germany also out-rebounded Hungary 35 to 18 and committed only 9 turnovers.
Bottom Line: Germany came into the game already locked into second place in Group B and will take on the third placed team from Group A, Montenegro, in the Round of 16 in Berlin.. Hungary head back home without having tasted success after having won two games at EuroBasket 2017 and being eliminated in the Round of 16 by Serbia.
They Said: "It felt amazing to get out there. I was just always trying to stay ready and help the team whenever I could, whenever my name is called. That's what I tried to do today." - Christian Sengfelder, Germany
"We came out slow defensively in the first half but we wanted to play this game and respect Hungary. We knew they are a very aggressive team with a lot of intensity and energy. We wanted to match that." - Franz Wagner, Germany
"We learned a lot of things. We learned that we have to play much better if we want to be successfu at this level. But I think we gave our maximum. We played a couple of good games." - Zoltan Perl, Hungary
"It was a fun tournament all around, playing against great players and good competition - some teams that are gonna push for the Final. It was fun for me to be able to go out and compete with the guys. It's the most time I have spent with them since I joined the national team so I'm happy to be here. " - Mikael Hopkins, Hungary
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