It took a supreme second half performance by the Greek basketball players for the national team to beat Iceland in their opening Eurobasket 2017 game in Helsinki.
With Panathinaikos point guard Nikos Pappas being the top scorer with 20 points and center Giannis Bourousis following with 8, The Greeks dominated the court in the second half.
Their entry in the first quarter was equally impressive, but a competitive Iceland in the second quarter cut an 8-point Greek lead in half.
The Greek players came back into shape in the third quarter, regaining the lead by 13, laying the groundwork for a furious fourth quarter, which resulted in a triumphant 29-point win.
The team achieved their primary goal and secured the win against a weaker side in their debut game in the tournament, but things are about to get really serious up next.
The upcoming Saturday game against France and, primarily, the third game against powerhouse Slovenia, are the two key matches for the Greek side in order to qualify for the Top-16 in their group.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
