FIBA Europe - Brits dig deep to beat Macedonia

NEWCASTLE (EuroBasket) - Great Britain rallied from seven points down with two and half minutes left to force overtime, and then stunned FYR Macedonia to win 104-96 in their second EuroBasket qualifier.

In a victory that will make a big statement in Group B, Britain shook off the loss of an early 15-point lead to dig deep behind stars Luol Deng and Pops Mensah-Bonsu, who combined for 50 points.

Trailing 83-76 with 2:36 to go, Britain were on the verge of defeat, but a big block from captain Andrew Sullivan inspired a comeback, and when Mensah-Bonsu deliberately missed a free-throw down 87-84 with seven seconds left, the ball fell for Deng to nail a three and force the extra period.

Britain were the only team in it in the final five minutes and Mensah-Bonsu put an exclaimation mark on it with two big slams.

The win leaves Britain 2-0 in Group B, second only to FYR Macedonia who are 2-1.

Hungary moved up to third by picking up their first win in three attempts, holding on to beat Bosnia & Herzegovina 74-70.

A dominant first half saw them move 15 points ahead, and although Bosnia came roaring back with a late 8-1 run, they could not catch the hosts.

Adam Hanga led Hungary with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists.

In Group A, Italy kept alive their albeit very slim hopes of qualification as they won their first game in three attempts, downing Finland 82-73.

Opening losses to Israel and Latvia have left Simone Pianigiani's men with virtually no way back, but they staved off elimination for a while longer as Andrea Bargnani poured in 24 points.

Italy led from tip to buzzer, racing into a 28-6 lead before allowing Finland lack into it.

However, Israel and Montenegro remain in control of the group with 2-0 records, and Israel underlined their class with a 110-88 win over Latvia.

A huge haul of 37 points in the first quarter alone set Israel on course for victory as Omri Casspi scored 21 points and the team collectively handed out 32 assists.

In Group C, Belgium and Bulgaria both moved to 2-0 with wins.

Belgium turned it on in the fourth quarter to beat hosts Portugal 78-69.

Portugal had edged ahead going into the stretch run, but Belgium went on a 16-4 burst to turn the tide and take control.

Beye Tabu-Eboma led the way with 23 points while Axel Herville added 15.

Filip Videnov was the star for Bulgaria as they rallied from 11 down in the final quarter to beat Poland 74-70.

A stunning 20-5 run totally changed the game and although Poland would briefly regain the lead, the had decisively lost the momentum.

Videnov hit five three-pointers en route to 26 points in the game.

FIBA