Dragons defeated by Poland in Gliwice

(Patria) - The Bosnia and Herzegovina national basketball team was defeated in the second round of the pre-qualifications for the Olympic Games, losing to Poland 83:76.

Thus, Adis Bećiragić's Dragons have a balanced record after two rounds and will play against Hungary (August 16, 9 PM) in the final round for a spot in the tournament's semifinals.

Poland opened the match with two consecutive three-pointers, taking a 6:0 lead, but BiH quickly responded through Nurkić and closed the gap.

We witnessed a true three-point shootout between the two teams, with Poland faring slightly better. The Dragons' defense also looked poor in the first quarter, as the Poles attempted as many as 12 free throws in that period, leading 27:19 after ten minutes.

Poland continued their strong play in the second quarter, quickly building a double-digit lead (36:25). However, the Dragons woke up midway through this period, going on a 7-0 run to cut Poland's lead (38:32).

BiH came within four points (36:40), but Sokolowski then continued the run, restoring Poland's large lead at the end of the half.

The Dragons played much better in the second half and, led by Nurkić, quickly melted Poland's big lead.

Midway through the third quarter, they closed to within just three points (54:57). However, an incredible 13-0 run by Poland followed.

They completely pulled away at that point (70:54), and there was no way back for the Dragons.

Poland comfortably maintained their lead in the final quarter and celebrated an 83:76 victory.

The most efficient player for BiH was Nurkić with 17 points, also grabbing 8 rebounds, Lazić followed with 15 points, and Musa scored 13 points.

Poland was led by Ponitka with 22 points, while Sokolowski added 20 points.

Now BiH, Portugal, and Poland have a 1-1 record, while Hungary has suffered two defeats. The top two teams advance to the semifinals.

Pre-qualifications for the Olympic Games, 2nd round:

Bosnia and Herzegovina – Poland 76:83 (19:27, 18:23, 18:20, 21:13)

BiH: Musa 13, Nurkić 17, Garza 5, Atić 7, Halilović 3, Kamenjaš 3, Lazić, Alibegović 11, Gegić 2, H. Delalić, Vrabac, Zahiragić.

Poland: Groselle, Sokolowski, Ponitka, Balcerowski, Zolnierewicz, Pluta, Garbacz, Michalak, Miličić, Niziol, Witlinski, Zyskowski.