Croatia beats Netherlands to edge closer to FIBA EuroBasket 2021 

(Photo credit: fiba.basketball)

ROTTERDAM, 24 February 2020 – Roko Leni Ukic has produced another great performance from the front to help Croatia to an impressive 69-59 victory over the Netherlands on Monday night in Rotterdam. 

After beating Sweden comfortably on Friday, Croatia now has two wins from two to get their FIBA EuroBasket 2021 Qualifiers campaign off to a perfect start and they take early control of Group D.

Croatia started well and would take an early lead before the home side found their grove. The visitors would trail 21-18 after the opening quarter, but sharp shooting from Ukic, who was ably supported by Zeljko Sakic and Roko Rogic, would see the Croatians lead at halftime 38-35. 

(Photo credit: fiba.basketball)

The Netherlands would come back to outscore Croatia in the third quarter by 16-9 to take the lead 51-47, but a strong final quarter would see Croatia race away with the victory 69-59. Mateo Dreznjak, the youngest in the team at just 20 years of age, top scored for Croatia with 13 points.

(Photo credit: fiba.basketball)

Croatia take a 2-0 record into the next window in November with clashes at home to Turkey and away at Sweden next up. The final group matches, against the Netherlands at home and against Turkey away, will be played in February 2021. 

The three highest-placed teams from each group will qualify for FIBA EuroBasket 2021.