Hlinason inspires Iceland with huge performance; Kosovo move to 2-0

MUNICH (Germany) - Kosovo became the first team to two wins in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Pre-Qualifiers, while Albania and Iceland were also victorious on Sunday.

Tryggvi Hlinason produced an incredible display with 26 points and 17 rebounds as well as 8 blocks for a near triple-double effort in leading Iceland past Slovakia for an 83-74 success in Reykjavik.

The 22-year-old went 9-of-15 from the field to add to a mammoth efficiency rating of 41 to help put his side's opening loss behind them. Pavel Ermolinskij added an all-round performance of his own with 7 points to accompany 11 assists and 10 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Kosovo maintained their unbeaten start after a strong fourth quarter saw them defeat Luxembourg 84-80 on the road. 

Drilon Hajrizi netted a game-high 25 points to propel his side to the victory with Erjon Kastrati adding 19 points including a pivotal go-ahead triple with 1:35 left on the clock.

The home side were led by Clancy Rugg's 30 points, but they come up short down the stretch having seen a 15-point advantage wiped out.

Albania re-captured the winning feeling as they battled past Cyprus 71-64 as Dallas Moore and Celis Taflaj combined for 38 points. A precious victory for one nation was guaranteed after both teams had gone 0-8 in the FIBA EuroBasket 2021 Pre-Qualifiers.

The second gameday concludes on Monday when Belarus meet Portugal with the winner going to the top of Group A.

FIBA