With just two games remaining to qualify for the 2013 FIBA Eurobasket, San Antonio Spurs draftee Adam Hanga and Hungary (2-4) may have lost their last chance to qualify, as they fell to Austria on Wednesday, while Davis Bertans and Latvia (4-2) earned a win over the Netherlands.
Hanga led Hungary with 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting; he grabbed four rebounds, dished three assists, stole the ball four times, blocked one shot, and turned the ball over just once. Hanga’s 20 points weren’t enough however as Austria defeated the Hungarians 97-81.
"We started really bad and not organized in offense. After we had found our rhythm,” said Hanga, “it was too late.”
“Austria became more and more confident. The hosts played really good. We have to look forward." Hanga finished.
With the loss, Hungary is almost in an impossible position to earn the third seed as they would hope statistics guide them to qualification. Hungary has collected just eight points in Group C. Each team receives two points for wins, and one point per loss. Austria is ahead of them with 10 points already so even if Hungary wins their last two games and Austria loses two straight, Hungary has to blow out their next two opponents to make the mathematical statistics work in their favor. If Hungary loses one game they won’t qualify. If Austria wins one game, they’ll stop Hungary from qualifying.
Hungary will face Croatia on Saturday in Hungary in their second- to-last game in the qualification round.
Bertans struggled shooting for Latvia as he only connected on 2-of-9 shots for 10 points, then when you also throw in his five turnovers; the young prospect had a rough game. But in basketball, a win is a win. Bertans’ team did just that as they defeated the Netherlands 86-81 to stay in a qualifying position Wednesday, second place in Group D.
Latvia will face Georgia on Saturday in Latvia as they continue their final two games of the qualifying round.
