Slovenia Too Much For Poland

Slovenia pulled away late in the third quarter to beat Poland 70-52 and clinch their second win of the EuroBasket.

Poland trailed 39-33 but Slovenia hit them with a 23-6 run that bridged the third and fourth quarter to take a commanding 62-39 lead with only five minutes remaining to put the game beyond Poland.

Slovenian center Erazem Lorbek had a game-high 16 points and pulled down eight rebounds
Andrzej Pluta ledPoland with 12 points while team-mate Jaka Lakovic chipped in with 15 points.

"I have to congratulate my players," said Slovenia coach Ales Pipan. "We are in the position where we wanted to be, two wins after two games. I think the key to our victory today has been rebounding."

Looking to repeat Monday's impressive performance in their defeat to France, Poland started strong and took a 19-13 lead going into the second quarter.

However, Slovenia stepped up their defense and outscored their opponents 21-7 to take a 34-26 advantage at the break.

"I was really optismistic before the game," said Poland coach Andreej Urlep. "Things started well for us as we had a good first quarter and probably we could have taken a bigger lead had we not missed some easy layups.

"But we played a terrible second quarter, we had a chance to get back into the game in the third but we were unable to keep up with Slovenia. I have to congratulate Slovenia."

Filip Dylewicz's hot-hand allowed Poland to cut the deficit to six, 37-31, three minutes into the third quarter before Slovenia delivered the knock-out punch.

Dylewicz finished with nine points and nine rebounds while team-mate Andrzej Pluta led the Poles in scoring with 12 points.

Poland were out-rebounded 46 to 28.

Slovenia shot 19 of 23 (83%) from the charity stripe while Poland were 11 of 16 (65%).

source : eurobasket2007.org