Anthony Davis of the USA in action against Tai Webster of New Zealand during the FIBA Basketball World Cup Group C match at the Bilbao Exhibition Center in Bilbao, northern Spain, yesterday.

DPA/Gran Canaria, Spain

Debutants Ukraine took a big step to reaching the knockout stage of the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup by beating Turkey yesterday while Mexico notched their first win in the competition in 40 years.

In a defensive battle, Ukraine outlasted Turkey 64-58 to move to 2-1 in Group C while Turkey fall to 1-2. Olexsandr Mishula led the Ukrainian offense by hitting five three-pointers in scoring 19 points.

A tough Ukrainian defense held Turkey under 20 points in every quarter as they hold wins over the fellow Europeans and Dominican Republic in a tight race behind the US in Group C.

Omer Asik had a dominant performance in the paint for Turkey with 14 points and 20 rebounds.

Mexico came into the game after losses to undefeated Group D co-leaders Slovenia and Lithuania. But after a rest day, the Americas team knocked off Angola 79-55 to register their first Worlds win since 1974, when they beat Australia 85-84.

Mexico, who moved to 1-2, were led by 17 points and 12 rebounds from NBA center Gustavo Ayon and a surprise performance from Hector Hernandez, who had 24 points on five three-pointers to go with five rebounds.

Mexico had a one-point lead at half-time but caught fire from deep, making 12 three-pointers overall and running away with the game in the second half.

Yanick Moreira led Angola with 13 points and nine rebounds.

Mexico and Angola are now tied at 1-2 in Group D.

The US were to continue their title defense later on Tuesday against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, hosts Spain passed their first real test at the basketball World Cup with flying colours on Monday when they beat Brazil 82-63 to book a last 16 berth alongside a Greek team who brushed aside Puerto Rico 90-79.

Both teams improved their records to 3-0 but Croatia’s passage into the knockout stage of the competition was put on hold after a shock 77-75 defeat by Senegal, whose centre Gorgui Dieng shone with 27 points and eight rebounds.

 

 

 

 

Related Story