Portugal Crushes Greece, Montenegro Edges Romania; Italy Holds Off Lithuania

Several matches were played in the 2027 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers. In Group B, Portugal handed Greece a heavy defeat in Athens, winning 71:56. In the first round, the Greeks had won 76:68 at home, but this time the hosts could not keep up. Portugal led from the start and built a 20-point lead by the middle of the third quarter (62:42). Diogo Brito led the winners with 17 points and 9 rebounds, Rafael Lisboa added 16 points and 5 assists, while Travante Williams contributed 15 points and 8 rebounds. For Greece, Elijah Mitrou-Long had 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

In a battle for survival, Montenegro edged Romania 65:64 at home, avoiding the last place in the group. Montenegro started poorly but recovered and held on to the narrow lead, despite making only 4 of 26 three-point attempts. Romania grabbed 17 offensive rebounds. For Montenegro, Igor Drobnjak scored 13 points, and Emir Hadžibegović had 9 points and 12 rebounds. Daron Russell led Romania with 17 points, and Emanuel Cățe added 15 points and 8 rebounds.

In Group D, Italy defeated Lithuania 87:84 in Bologna. The visitors failed to capitalize in the closing stages and suffered a loss. The game was close, but Italy held on in crucial moments.

After these matches, in Group B, Montenegro (4-2) leads, followed by Portugal (3-3) and Greece (3-3). In Group D, Italy (5-1) is first, while Lithuania (3-3) sits third behind Spain.