By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Dennis Schroder led Germany to a 96-94 overtime victory over previously unbeaten Poland in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers.
The NBA guard finished with a team-high 18 points and five assists, including the two free throws that settled the contest. Johannes Thiemann added 14 points and 12 rebounds, Maodo Lo scored 13, and Isaac Bonga contributed 10 points and five steals.
Germany led 70-58 entering the fourth quarter, but Poland fought back before both teams went scoreless over the final 2:11 of regulation. Thiemann missed two free throws with 1:12 remaining, while late turnovers at both ends gave Poland one last opportunity. Jaroslaw Zyskowski missed a three-pointer at the buzzer, sending the game to overtime at 83-83.
Przemyslaw Zolnierewicz tied the score at 94-94 with 40 seconds left in the extra period, before Schroder converted both free throws with 17 seconds remaining. Consecutive offensive fouls by Dominik Olejniczak and Lo then handed possession back to Poland, but Zolnierewicz missed the potential tying shot at the buzzer.
Mateusz Ponitka paced Poland with 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Igor Milicic added 18 points and eight rebounds, Jordan Loyd scored 16, and Andrzej Pluta contributed 14. Olejniczak recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
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Elsewhere in Group K, Ivica Zubac posted 24 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks to help Croatia edge the Netherlands 101-99. The center shot 8-of-10 from the field, while Dario Saric matched his 24 points and added six assists. Luka Bozic scored 18 and Mario Hezonja finished with 16.
Croatia recovered from a double-digit deficit and survived a late scare, with David N’Guessan missing the hosts’ final attempt with four seconds remaining. Keye van der Vuurst led the Netherlands with 23 points and five assists, followed by Yannick Franke with 21 points and N’Guessan with 19.
Germany, Croatia and Poland now all hold 7-1 records, while the Netherlands dropped to 2-6. The top three teams in the group will qualify for the World Cup.
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