2019-09-02T16:50:50+00:00

2019-09-02T16:50:50+00:00

2019-09-02T17:12:40+00:00.

By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net

China’s clash with Poland in Beijing on Monday evening turned out to be a roller-coaster of emotions as the latter nation prevailed with a 79-76 victory in the tournament’s first overtime. Poland also punched its ticket to the second round after this win!

Poland’s enchanted hero, Mateusz Ponitka pushed the game to the extra five-minute period (72-72 at 40′), as he missed the second of his two free throws with four seconds left in the game. Still, he was definitely the man of the game, with 25 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Along with incredible AJ Slaughter (22 points), the duo found weak spots in China’s defense and took advantage of them all game long.

“The stress brings out the best in all of us. I’m proud of my players because they never quit. It was nothing magic that we did as coaches, it was all the heart of the players that never gave up”, commented coach Michael Taylor.

China suffered its first defeat, despite an overall great performance by Jianlian Yi, who finished the game with 24 points and eight rebounds. Poland’s experience in tough games showed in overtime, while the hosts couldn’t live up to the pressure.

Wednesday will be decisive for the final rankings of the group, as Poland (2-0) faces Cote D’Ivoire (0-2) and China (1-1) takes over Venezuela (1-1).

Photo credit: FIBA.basketball

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