RIGA (Latvia) - The long wait is over for Portugal, as Mario Gomes' men made their mark in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers by registering their first EuroBasket Qualifiers win in over seven years.

Portugal led by as many as 19 points in the game, but had to hold off a second-half comeback from Ukraine en route to a 79-77 victory in behind 21 points and 6 rebounds from Miguel Queiroz. Diogo Gameiro chipped in with 12 points, while Rafael Lisboa had 9 points and 4 assists.

Having missed out on the Qualifiers for the 2022 edition altogether, the Portuguese last triumphed in the FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Qualifiers on September 17, 2016 when they defeated Belarus.

With 2,717  days separating the two wins, team captain Miguel Queiroz is the only remaining player on the squad, who tasted victory the last time round. 

"It was an emotional game, but most of all it was an important win for us. We had a great game against Israel in Lisbon, we almost won but this one was really, really important for us. We had a huge first half, but we didn't start the third quarter very well, but we kept together to get this important win," said Portugal point guard Diogo Gameiro.

The sentiment was echoed by coach Mario Gomes.

"A lot of times in basketball this happens, players get a little bit euphoric because everything is going well and the opponents aren't doing so well. After that, it's difficult to react. Ukraine showed they are a team with character to come back. In the end the, that little bit of luck that went against us on Thursday went in our favor," he said.

Portugal are now 1-1 in Group C of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers, while Ukraine began their campaign with consecutive defeats. 

FIBA