Czech Republic boost their Quarter-Finals hopes in massive win over Brazil

SHENZEN (China) - Czech Republic continued to surprise naysayers with a huge 93-71 victory over Brazil to improve their record to 3-1 in the Second Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

The Czechs outclassed their South American counterparts in a crucial game, putting a blemish to Brazil's record (3-1) and keep their own Quarter-Finals hopes alive.

The Czech Republic played brilliantly from start to finish, buoyed by their 56 percent shooting, and employed their size advantage brilliantly, outrebounding Brazil, 39-28.

Turning Point:  Vitor Benite knocked down back to back triples in the midway point of the third period to cut the deficit to 13 but the Czech's closed out the period with a quick 8-2 zip to break the game wide open, 65-46. 

TCL Player of the Game:  Tomas Satorasky was the man of the moment again for his country, flirting with a triple-double with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists while also adding 3 steals and 2 blocks on the defensive end. Satoransky is the only player combining for 11+ points, 6+ rebounds and 6+ assists in 3+ games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

Stats Don't Lie: Satoransky's brilliant offensive play is giving him a lot of attention but the defense of Czech Republic cannot be overlooked, after limiting the Brazilians to 40 percent shooting from the field while also recording 5-1 advantage in the blocks department to defend the paint.

Bottom Line:  The crucial win of the Czech Republic gave them a huge window to barge into the Quarter-Finals.  In case of a three-way tie in Group K action, the point differential is a welcome factor in their case for a top-eight finish in the competition.

They said: "Another great game for us we shared the ball and we adjusted well and every game I say wow so I salute my players and my coaching staff. It's an amazing time for us, an amazing time for Czech Republic basketball."
Czech Republic head coach Ronen Ginzburg

 "I think it was another great victory for us we knew it wasn't going to be easy as any of this game we have played here. Brazil showed great ability to play smart and a lot of experience and it was difficult to prepare for them. But we knew if play to our identity which is playing fast, run, share the ball and fight on defense we will have options and that's what we did from the beginning today. - Czech Republic guard Tomas Satoransky

The Czech Republic played better on defense and offense. I think our team had a lack of energy but its tough, it's a quick competition, we had to travel yesterday we got here and played the game. But we don't have time to be sad or mad, we have to fix our stuff and play against the USA. - Brazil shooting guard Vitor Benito

I would like to congratulate the Czech Republic, they played a great game but looking from the Brazil side of the game our big problem is for the first time in this tournament we came to the game without energy. Maybe the accumulation of the games in Nanjing, maybe the trip. I was really surprised at any minute of the game we cannot respond to the Czech Republic's intensity and they dominated all aspects of the game. - Brazil head coach Aleksandar Petrovic

FIBA