Adam Hanga pushes Hungary past the Czech Republic in a nail-biter / News - Basketnews.com

Adam Hanga scored 20 points and grabbed a late clutch rebound to push Hungary 82-79 past the Czech Republic.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Adam Hanga played one more outstanding match to push Hungary past the Czech Republic 82-79 (23-23, 24-21, 15-21, 20-14) to its fourth win in the Second Round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

Player of the Game EFF 23 Adam Hanga Points 20 Accuracy 8-17 Rebounds 12 Assists 5

With the entire match going neck-and-neck between the team, the Czech Republic had a narrow lead with 5 minutes to go in the fourth quarter (71-70). However, Hungary then went on a 9-2 lead during the next three minutes, and Benedek Varadi's free throws increased the away team's lead to seven - 79-72.

Nevertheless, the Czechs did not go away that easily. Vojtech Hruban made a two triples in a row, and the teams were now separated by only three points (78-81). However, the three-pointer that could have tied the game was this time missed by Hruban, which gave a chance for Hungary to close the game.

Hanga missed a tough three-pointer, and Hungary chose to foul with seven seconds remaining to avoid their opponents shooting from deep. Hruban missed the second free throw in hopes of securing a rebound but it was once again Adam Hanga who came up clutch and grabbed the board, essentially giving his squad a win.

Hurban nearly became a hero again as his half-court heave nearly went in with no time left on the clock.

Hanga finished the game with 20 points on 8-for-17 shooting. He also grabbed 12 rebounds and made 5 assists to collect 25 PIR points in the contest. Rytas Vilnius' newcomer Benedek Varadi contributed with 8 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals for a total of 16 PIR.

Hruban led the Czechs with 26 points on 9-for-16 shooting, making 4 triples for 22 PIR.

Czech Republic: Vojtech Hruban 26 (5/7 2PT, 4/9 3PT, 4/6 FT, 22 PIR), Ondrej Balvin 15 (5/6 2PT, 5 REB), Jan Vesely 13 (6/9 2PT, 5 REB), Patrik Auda 10 (4/5 2PT).

Hungary: Adam Hanga 20 (6/10 2PT, 2/7 3PT, 2/4 FT, 12 REB, 5 AST, 25 PIR), Zoltan Perl 10 (3/8 2PT), Mikael Hopkins 10 (2/4 2PT, 2/5 3PT, 4 REB).

Adam Hanga's performance:

Full game highlights:

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