History was made: Ivosev & Co destroyed France, Latvia eliminated from FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup
History was made: Ivosev & Co destroyed France, Latvia eliminated from FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup
Day 2 of the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup came with other shocking results. In front of the crowds who came to support the local team, Hungary against the big favorite, France, Tamas Ivosev wrote history. He led the underdog squad to a well deserved victory, even nobody gave them a chance before the game. The whole Hungarian team gave 101% on the court, fighting like devils for every possession, for every rebound, trying to do the impossible. And impossible was done and well done. The hosts destroyed France and have booked the tickets for the quarterfinals where they will meet another nice surprise of the tournament, Lithuania.
Full with sharpshooters with impressive 3 points accuracy, the Lithuanian squad won the Baltic derby, dominating Latvia, the finalist of the 3×3 World Cup who took place in Amsterdam, this June. The Latvian team was no doubt about it the main favorite of the battle, especially because they have lost already the first encounter of the tournament, against Austria.
It was a do-or-die game for the Latvians (seen as the title contenders by many) and they tried everything to smash the opponents. But the astonishing percentage from the arc of the opponents were decisive to seal the victory. Not even that Lithuania won the game, but they did it with a big margin: 22-14. They won the group, eliminating one of the toughest team of the whole tournament. And now, all eyes on Lithuania, maybe they will complete the surprise till the end reaching the Finals.
Gratian Cormos
