Hezonja's 27 help Croatia escape Tunisia / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Croatia (1-1) made it into the second round of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament at home after defeating Tunisia (0-2) 75-70 (20-11, 22-17, 14-29, 19-13).

Player of the Game EFF 25 Mario Hezonja Points 27 Accuracy 11-21 Rebounds 8 Assists 3

In a game that was meant to decide the second-place team (and semi-final berth), Croatia came out sluggish. Perhaps being the host of the tournament and added pressure from the fans didn't help as much as anticipated. After almost four minutes of play, the score was low and tied (5-5).

But then Mario Hezonja took over. His 7-point outburst included a dunk, 3-pointer, steal, and a layup, which promptly forced Tunisia coaching staff to call a timeout.

However, the damage was done, and the home team started to slowly pull away, finishing the opening quarter with a nine-point lead (20-11).

In the second quarter, Croatians continued their balanced attack. Ante Zizic helped his team dominate the paint and create second-chance opportunities. As teams headed for the lockers, the score was 42-28.

In the second half, Tunisia turned things around. African team outscored opponents 29-14 in the third quarter to take one point before the game's final quarter (56-57).

The fourth quarter tested Croatia's fortitude as Tunisia didn't allow the host team to go on a run. Croatia found some success on the offensive glass leading to second-chance opportunities. However, 18 seconds to play, Mourad El Mabrouk made three free-throws to cut Croatia's lead to two (72-70). But after the timeout, more experienced Croatians didn't make mistakes and sealed a narrow victory.

Mario Hezonja had 27 points, to go along with 8 rebounds and 3 assists, Bojan Bogdanovic and Ante Zizic (12 REB) added 14 points each.

Radhouane Slimane led Tunisia with 15 points and 7 rebounds.

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