Fans continue to come out in force to support national team in World Cup Qualifiers' fifth window

MIES (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifiers) - Basketball fans around the world continued to show their love for their national teams by turning out in huge numbers during the first game day (Thursday-Friday) of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifiers' fifth window.

On Thursday, more than 9,500 spectators packed Ankara Arena to help Turkey take a 71-67 victory over Spain, meaning that the 12 Giant Men are undefeated (4-0) on the Road to China 2019 when playing in the Turkish capital.

Meanwhile, a sell-out crowd of 5,200 were on hand in the northern Italian city of Brescia to witness the Azzurri hand Lithuania their first defeat in the Qualifiers, 70-65. The occasion was all the more special for several Italian players who play their club ball in the same PalaLeonessa Arena and for veteran guard Pietro Aradori, who captained the team in a game held in his home city.

In Latvia, 7,500 fans filled Arena Riga but ultimately it wasn't enough to help the home team and deter visiting side Montenegro. who grabbed an important 84-75.

In the Americas, more than 10,000 fans were on hand to witness Argentina defeat the USA 80-63 at the Superdomo in La Rioja.

Similarly, Uruguay drew more than 10,000 spectators to Montevideo's Antel Arena, where they came out on top of a thriller against Puerto Rico, 64-62, thanks to Mathias Calfani's game-winning three-pointer in the dying seconds.

On Friday, 16,798 fans descended on the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Metro Manila where Philippines and Kazakhstan treated them to a great game, with the only downside being the hosts coming up short, falling 92-88.

Japan rewarded the sell-out crowd in the Toyama City Gymnasium by cruising to an 85-47 win over Qatar. 

A capacity crowd filled Tel Aviv Arena to the rafters for Israel's key clash against Serbia, and the partisan crowd left with broad smiles on their faces after the home team beat the visitors 83-74 to get their first win of the Second Round.

Venezuela pulled off a huge 84-76 victory over Canada to take over sole possession of first place in Group F - thanks in part to the support of a sold-out crowd at the Parque Miranda in Caracas.

A sell-out crowd of 6,866 at Espoo Metro Arena were disappointed to see home side Finland lose a big lead against Russia and eventually lose 77-75 in overtime. However, the game also presented them the opportunity to witness veteran guard Sasu Salin make his 100th appearance for the Susijengi.

FIBA