The Polish team beat Ukraine at the hands of Slaughter and Ponitka (86-94)
It is the first time in 25 years that Poland has qualified for the quarterfinals of a Eurobasket
The Polish team will be the rival of the Slovenia of Luka Doncić in the quarterfinals of eurobasket 2022after eliminating this Sunday to Ukraine (86-94) in a close game that was decided in the last quarter.
The current Eurobasket champion will look for next Wednesday in Berlin (8:30 p.m.) the pass to the semifinals against a smaller team in which the nationalized point guard stands out AJ slaughterauthor of 24 points, and the small forward Mateusz Ponitkadecisive in the second half from the perimeter.
The game started evenly, with the Polish team with a little more aim thanks to the success of Slaughter, author of 11 points in the first quarter. Despite this, Ukraine did not let their rival escape and, with their quick attacks, finished the first quarter with a three-point deficit (21-24).
The Ukrainian team dominated the offensive rhythm in the second half thanks to Vyacheslav Bobrov’s success from the perimeter and the clarity of ideas of Issuf Sanon in the direction. The team coached by Ainaars Bagatskis came to enjoy a lead of seven points (44-37, min. 18), but Slaughter’s talent reappeared to close the gap at the break (45-42).
After the break, Poland, led by Michal Sokolowski and Mateusz Ponitka in attack, once again took control of the game, although Ukraine, with a combative Artem Pustovyi in the area, kept the game very much alive before the last quarter (67-69) .
In the last ten minutes, the exchange of baskets reigned from the perimeter and in that scenario Ponitka and Sokolowski gave Poland air with four minutes to go (78-87).
A 6-0 run forged on the counterattack by the Ukrainians equalized the duel with a minute and a half to go (84-87). With everything open in the last minute (86-88), the game was decided in favor of the Central European team from the free throw line.