Men Belarus team played the second game of the qualifying stage of the 2023 World Cup today. In Thessaloniki, they met Greek national team and lost 67:77 (18:16, 12:22, 18:20, 19:19).
The Greeks lost in the UK in the opening round, so they needed a home victory like air. This team usually shows a stringy, tough basketball, and if the opponent accepts it, then most often the rival will be disappointed. Unfortunately, the Belarusian national team also had to adapt to the unusual style of play, and this is the main reason for the defeat. Our players did an excellent job on rebounds (the difference was 45 to 39), scored 10 three-pointers (the Greeks had 6), but made 9 more turnovers, what inevitably affected the final result. We also allowed the hosts to shoot from the free throw line too often - the Greeks made 45 (!) free throws, however, they scored only 29. During the game, the Belarusians had several productive periods that allowed them to get close to the opponent. However, our experienced opponent did not allow us to achieve more.
Scoring leaders of Belarus team: Maxim Salash - 17 + 8 REB + 3 AST + 1 BLK, Uladislau Blizniuk - 17 + 3 AST, Artsyom Parakhouski - 15 + 15 REB + 2 BLK + 1 AST, Andrei Stabrouski - 11 + 3 AST + 1 STL.
After the victory of the Turkish national team over Great Britain 84:67, all 4 teams of group "B" have an equal amount of table points - 3 each. However, Belarus team has the highest difference between scored and missed points.
The next game will take place next year. On February 25, Belarusians will host the British national team, and on the 28th they will play an away game in UK.