The disastrous final quarter cost the Men’s National Team, which suffered a 73-66 away defeat to Romania, in the context of the World Cup qualifying phase (2nd group, 5th matchday). 

The representative team found itself leading by even double digits, but failed to manage its lead in the final period, conceding partial scores of 22-8. The Greek team, which saw its record drop to 3-2, returns to Athens and on Sunday (5/7) will welcome Portugal to the Sunel Arena, in the final match of the first qualifying phase for the Qatar World Cup. 

It should be noted that with today’s defeat, the “blue and white” team lost the opportunity to take a decisive step in view of the second qualifying phase, in which they will carry their record against the teams in Group 1 of the undefeated Spain (4-0 record).

Greece was in control for most of the match, but was unable to build a lead in the first half. Led by Larentzakis and Charalambopoulos, they even led by six points (26-32 at 17′), to end the first half at +3 (35-38 at 20′).

In the third period, Vasilis Spanoulis’ team increased its performance and reached a double-digit lead for the first time (42-52 at 26′), while with three-pointers from Larentzakis and Mitrou-Long, it escaped with a score of 44-58 at 28′, maintaining control until the end of the quarter (51-58).

The picture changed completely in the last period. Despite the fact that Larentzakis made it 51-61 at the beginning of the quarter, the home team reacted, took advantage of the mistakes of the Greek team and, with the help of their defense and well-aimed perimeter shots, returned to the game. Russell tied the game at 64-64, Maciuka gave Romania the lead with a three-pointer and the home team maintained the lead until the end, reaching the victory with 73-66.

Quarter-finals: 16-18, 35-38, 51-58, 73-66.
REFEREES : Vulic, Ceccarelli, Galic
Line-ups:
ROMANIA (Mihai Silvansan): Somasescu 2, Tohatan 13 (2), Russell 20 (2), Diculescu 4, Nistor, Cuti 5 (1), Nicolascu 3 (1), Grassu 3 (1), Kate 8, Uta 6, Maciuca 9 (3).
GREECE (Vassilis Spanoulis) : Larentzakis 16 (4), Moraitis, Toliopoulos 6 (2), Kaklamanakis 2, Charalambopoulos 13 (3), Papanikolaou 10 (2), Persides, Kouzeloglou 2, Tsalbouris 3, Mitrou-Long 12 (1), Netzipoglou 2, Bazinas.