| 28 July 2010
The Czech Republic laid down another marker for their EuroBasket Division B campaign as they claimed victory in the Sofia Award tournament with a 91-87 overtime victory over hosts and Division A side Bulgaria in Tuesday's final.
In a game that was close throughout, the Czechs led 40-34 at half-time but saw that lead quickly evaporate after the break as Bulgaria pulled back in front, albeit narrowly.
The Czechs were back in front going into the final 10 minutes, but Bulgaria would not go away and took at 74-73 lead with 29 seconds to go.
Pavel Pumprla split a pair of free throws to level the scores, but Earl Calloway then put Bulgaria back on top.
The Czechs then came up with one more score to tie it with six seconds left and send the game to overtime. Bulgaria opened the extra period on a 7-0 run, but then quickly squandered their good work and the Czechs did not look back.
Pavel Houska led the Czechs with 23 points, while Pavel Slezak had 20.
Calloway led Bulgaria with 25 points.
Cyprus took third place in the tournament with a 65-59 victory over Austria, as Panagiotis Trisokkas and Alexis Liatsos scored 12 points each and Aristides Koronidis added 11.
Jason Detrick led Austria with 20 points. The Czech Republic will compete in Group C when Division B play gets under way, and will face the Slovak Republic, Cyprus, and Switzerland.
Bulgaria have been drawn in Group C of Division A, and will face Georgia, Poland and Portugal. Austria are in Group A, pitting them against Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Estonia. |
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