Newsroom
The Cyprus national basketball team marked a historic milestone Friday, stepping onto the EuroBasket court for the first time, but came up short against Bosnia and Herzegovina, losing 91-64 in the Group C opener at the Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Center.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Jusuf Nurkić paced the winners with 18 points, six rebounds, and two three-pointers. For Cyprus, Konstantinos Simitzis delivered a standout effort, scoring 22 points with five three-pointers and adding six rebounds.
The game began with a strong start from Bosnia, who raced to a 10-0 lead before Cyprus recorded its first basket through Pasialis at the 3rd minute. Simitzis soon hit Cyprus’ first three-pointer of the tournament, sparking a brief run. By the 7th minute, his second consecutive three-pointer brought the team within three points, but Bosnia responded with a series of baskets, including a late first-quarter three-pointer by Vrabac, to pull ahead 23-13.
Bosnia extended its lead in the second quarter, opening a 21-point margin before halftime. Cyprus rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Bosnia 23-11 and trimming the deficit to nine points after a three-pointer from Michail late in the period.
The fourth quarter saw Tigas hit another three-pointer for Cyprus, bringing the margin to eight points early, but Bosnia regained control with precise shooting and consecutive three-pointers, ultimately sealing the 91-64 victory.
Quarter Scores: 23-13, 47-26, 58-49, 91-64
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Coach: Adis Bećiragić)
Nurkić 18 (2), Roberson 8 (2), Alibegović 10 (2), Arslanagić, Atić 8 (2), Gegić 10 (2), Penava 7, Lazić 7 (1), Chrelia 4, Vrabac 10 (2), Kamenias
Cyprus (Coach: Christoforos Leivadiotis)
Loizidis, Simitzis 22 (5), Pasialis 4, Michail 5 (1), Iliadis 5 (1), Christodoulou, Young, Giannaras, Koumis, Tigas 12 (2), Willis 9 (1), Stylianou 7 (1)
