MUNICH (Germany) - Greece secured their spot in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 after they survived a battle with Belgium 72-70 on the road in Group I of the European Qualifiers.
Greece will play in the global spectacle for the sixth straight edition and the ninth time in the last ten tournaments.
Greece finished the deal and locked up their spot in the World Cup as they fought past a determined Belgium 72-70 on the road.
The hosts gave Greece all there could handle as the contest was tight throughout, with seven points being the most significant lead for either team. Belgium was within one point with 39 seconds left when Greece missed a three-pointer to give Belgium a chance to win the game. But Giannoulis Larentzakis drew an offensive foul on Retin Obasohan to save the day for Greece.
Larentzakis was big on offence as well with 20 points, including four three-pointers, while Nick Calathes had a double-double of 13 points and ten assists for the Greeks, who improved to 5-3. Obasohan finished with 30 points in the loss, which dropped Belgium to 3-5.
