In a commanding performance, Poland’s national basketball team, now including Jeremy Sochan, defeated New Zealand 88-59. The game started with a delay due to scoreboard malfunctions, forcing the match to be played “on whistles” for most of the first half. Despite these issues, Poland led 45-30 at halftime, thanks to standout performances by Mateusz Ponitka and Michał Sokołowski, who scored 17 and 14 points respectively.
Poland’s Dominance
Poland maintained a strong lead throughout the game, with New Zealand struggling with fouls and poor shooting accuracy. The Kiwis committed seven fouls in the first quarter alone and managed only one out of three field goals by halftime. Poland capitalized on their opponents’ weaknesses, extending their lead with impressive plays, including an eye-catching dunk by Aleksander Balcerowski early in the second half.
Ponitka was the top scorer with 29 points, including a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range. His scoring slowed in the second half as Coach Igor Milicić rotated players to give everyone court time. Jeremy Sochan contributed seven points, two rebounds, and four assists in his first appearance of the year for the national team, before sitting out the final quarter.
Upcoming Challenges
Poland’s next challenge is a friendly against the Philippines in Sosnowiec, their last test before the Olympic qualifying tournament starting July 3 in Spain. Facing the Bahamas and Finland in the group stage, Poland aims to secure the sole Olympic spot by winning the tournament.