Czech Republic wins nail-biter vs. Uruguay / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

After a hard-fought game, the Czech Republic (1-1) were victorious against Uruguay (0-2) 80-79 (19-20; 26-17; 22-20; 13-22). The European team advances to the semifinals of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Victoria, Canada. The Czechs will face the hosts, Canada, in their next matchup.

Player of the Game EFF 21 Ondrej Balvin Points 12 Accuracy 6-6 Rebounds 11 Assists 2

Both teams went back and forth in the first quarter, with neither of them being able to secure a substantial lead. The period ended with a narrow lead by Uruguay (19-20).

Czechia started the second quarter well and, after Ondrej Balvin's dunk, jumped out to a 38-22 lead. However, with the help of Jayson Granger, Uruguay weathered the storm and cut the lead to single digits, going into halftime (45-37).

After the break, both teams were exchanging baskets and played evenly. The quarter ended with a 10-point lead by the Czech Republic (67-57).

At the start of the final period, it seemed that Czechia would pull away. They had a 73-59 advantage with 7:36 left on the clock. However, Uruguay was not done and went on a 10-0 run in a little over a minute. Jayson Granger cut the deficit to four with 6:21 remaining (73-69).

From that point, both teams struggled offensively and committed turnover after turnover. With that being said, the Czech Republic had control in their hands, and Jaromir Bohachik's three secured a 6-point lead with 1:46 left (80-74).

However, Bruno Fitapaldo answered with his own long-range bomb and cut the deficit to three points with 53 seconds left on the clock (80-77). The European squad committed a turnover on the next possession, and Uruguay cut the deficit to one point with 39 seconds remaining.

Later on, Jan Vesely missed a hook shot, and Uruguay had a chance to win it. However, Jayson Granger's three with five seconds left was off the mark, and the Czech Republic were victorious.

Tomas Satoransky led his team with 19 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Jakub Sirna contributed with 17 points, Ondrej Balvin added 12 points and 11 boards.

For Uruguay, the duo of Jayson Granger and Bruno Fitipaldo scored 22 points each. Granger also recorded seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.

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Czech Republic: will play Canada in the semifinals on Saturday.

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