Easy against Great Britain for their entry into the running, with a big victory (90-61), Ukraine had to work to overcome Estonia for their second confrontation in group C (74- 73).
But last night against Italy, the host nation expected to be at the forefront, the Ukrainian selection struck a blow by winning by 11 lengths (84-73) after a one-way last quarter (27 -16).
With this third success in as many games, the Ukraine of Svi Mykhailiuk (20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals on average) is quite simply at the top of its group, ahead of Greece thanks to a higher point average (+41 against +24).
A scathing last quarter
At -3 to 4 minutes from the end of the third quarter, Ukraine seemed to be on the ropes. On the brink of a technical knockout… Like last August 24 in Riga, Latvia, when the Azzurri had dominated their subject by winning (97-89) after a second half controlled from start to finish.
However, it was then that the teammates of an excellent Ivan Tkachenko (17 points, 5 rebounds) took the bull by the horns with an incredible 20-6 in 10 minutes, holding the Italians at 3/17 at the shots!
Going from 50-53 to 70-59, Ukraine seized control of the match never to let go again, the very long distance connection between Svi Mykhailiuk and Ivan Tkachenko at the alley-oop punctuating this domination with a point of victory. spectacular exclamation!
At 25 points at 9/18 on shots, plus 4 rebounds and 3 assists, Svi Mykhailiuk was clearly the man of the match for his country, under the eyes of Dirk Nowitzki passing through Milan.
The top game against Greece
“Basketball starts from the back posts, the ball handlers”soberly commented the Latvian coach of Ukraine, Ainars Bagatskis, at a press conference. “We prepared for that by lining up as many big fives as possible on the pitch. We have become tougher. We controlled the rebounds well and we were able to use a different rotation in defense with physically stronger backs. And it worked ! “
Obviously over-motivated as their country is going through an armed conflict that is decimating its population and its resources, the Ukrainian players are currently achieving a perfect tournament in Italy.
That said, and even if they already have their ticket for the 1/8 finals in their pocket, the truth of one day is not necessarily that of the next day, with a calendar that forgives nothing… The Ukrainian heroes will indeed have strong to face Greece today at 5 p.m., especially since Giannis Antetokounmpo was rested yesterday.
“It’s an important victory that gives us a lot of confidence for the future”concludes Alex Len. “We now know that we will be in the next round for sure, but the matches follow one another. We have to forget this game and move on. We have Greece to play [aujourd’hui]. “
Photo credits: FIBA
