Greece defeated Cyprus 82-75 at the T-Center in their second preparation game ahead of their crucial FIBA World Cup qualifying matches against Ukraine on August 28 in Latvia and Spain on August 31.
Tyler Dorsey led Greece with 18 points, while Omiros Netzipoglou emerged as the game changer. The young guard scored nine points and made four steals in the second quarter, combining his defensive intensity with several outstanding plays that helped Greece take control of the game.
Greece started slowly, allowing Cyprus to dictate the pace in the opening period. Cyprus produced an impressive performance at both ends of the court and led 21-17 after the first 10 minutes.
The Greek defence improved significantly in the second quarter. Greece forced several turnovers, converted them into easier scoring opportunities and moved ahead 34-32 in the 17th minute. The national team then extended its advantage to 46-34 by halftime.
Greece maintained a double-digit lead for most of the second half without producing an outstanding performance. Cyprus reduced the deficit during the final two minutes, but Greece held on for a 82-75 victory.
The game also marked a milestone for Giannoulis Larentzakis, who made his 100th appearance for the Greek national team. The federation honoured the veteran guard before the game, while head coach Vassilis Spanoulis handed him the captaincy for the friendly against Cyprus.
Quarter-by-quarter
17-21, 46-34, 68-57, 82-75
Greece scorers
Dorsey 18 (1), Larentzakis 9 (3), Moraitis 2, Toliopoulos 3 (1), Calathes 5 (1), P. Kalaitzakis 5 (1), Papanikolaou 8 (2), Persidis, K. Antetokounmpo 10, T. Antetokounmpo 8, Mitoglou 6, Netzipoglou 9 (1), Bazinas 2.
Cyprus scorers
Loizidis, Ch. Giannaras 5 (1), Pasiali 10, Michael 8 (2), Iliadis 5 (1), Markou 3 (1), I. Giannaras 11 (3), Koumis, Aggeli 2, Tigas 13 (2), Pavlidis 12, Mantovani 6.
Referees: Symeonidis, Martinakos, Tefktikis
