WARSAW, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Croatia beat Poland 72-69 in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) EuroBasket 2025 men's pre-qualifiers in Warsaw on Thursday.
Polish small forward Mateusz Ponitka scored 26 points with six rebounds and six assists, while Ivica Zubac poured in 19 points for the visitors.
The hosts coached by Igor Milicic started very well thanks to a solid defense, as in the first half they allowed Croatia to score just 21 points, ending the first and second quarters in 15-11 and 31-21 respectively.
In the third quarter, however, Croatia turned the game in their favor, as Utah Jazz player Bojan Bogdanovic, 33, put Damir Mulaomerovic's side in front for the first time 45-44.
The visitors took the initiative but had some problems with effectiveness, which gave Poland hope while trailing 49-47 after the third quarter.
After a 3-point shot by Jaroslaw Zyskowski and a good block by Aleksander Balcerowski on Zubac, Poland led by 57-53 with five minutes remaining.
It was new Real Madrid player Mario Hezonja who gave Croatia a massive victory with two 3-pointers. Poland could have leveled the game in the final seconds but Michal Sokolowski missed the target.
On Sunday, Poland will play Austria on road while Croatia hosts Switzerland. The winner of the group will advance into the next round of qualification. ■
