The Swiss team missed its business for its entry into the 2nd pre-qualifying round of the 2027 World Cup. The men of Ilias Papatheodorou bowed 73-60 in Slovakia.
This defeat is not unacceptable. But, in a group where each of the 3 teams will only play 4 games, it does not bode well. The Helvetians will have to react Wednesday against Ukraine, which they will welcome in Friborg at 7 p.m. Switzerland had nevertheless started this part in Bratislava in a ideal way. Under the impetus of Toni Rocak and Dylan Ducommun, she took 6 lengths in advance in a 1st quarter concluded 17-13 in her favor.
But the Sloviacs woke up in the 2nd quarter. And in particular their “shooters” Timotej Malovec (21 points. 9 rebounds), Lukas Bolek (3/4 to 3 points) and Dalibor Hlivak (3/4 behind the arc), which united their efforts to make the Swiss defense yield.
Author in particular of a partial of 8-0 in the space of 1’30, Slovakia took control before half-time (41-33 at the break). And Switzerland has sunk in the 3rd quarter, registering only 5 points (all on free throws!) In the first 9 minutes. At 60-40 after three “quarters”, mass was said.
ats/bur
