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Poland’s basketball squad, gearing up for the Olympic Games’ Pre-Qualification tournament in Paris 2024, displayed their mettle in a gripping showdown against the Netherlands in Wrocław. After a narrow loss on Saturday, the white-and-red team bounced back with a thrilling 101-100 win in overtime on Sunday.
Captain Mateusz Ponitka’s commanding play and a solid defense pushed Poland to an early 6-0 lead. Aleksander Balcerowski showcased his talent, sparking a 28-20 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Throughout the game, Michal Michalak and Mateusz Ponitka contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Overtime Thriller and Preparations Ahead
In a nail-biting overtime, Poland secured a one-point victory, demonstrating resilience and teamwork. Coach Igor Milicic commended the team’s improved one-on-one play but emphasized the need to work on rebounding. The team’s next challenges will be in Belgrade, facing Serbia and Macedonia, before friendly matches in Istanbul against Turkey.
With their sights set on the Olympic Pre-Qualifiers in Gliwice, Poland aims to triumph in the group stage against Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Portugal. The ultimate goal is to clinch the top spot and earn a spot in the next year’s Olympic Qualifiers.