Switzerland logically got the better of Azerbaijan in Fribourg. The Helvetians won 72-53 in this first match of the 1st round of pre-qualifications for the 2027 World Cup.
The start of the match was very difficult for Ilias Papatheodorou’s players, although they were largely favorites in this match against the lowest ranked opponent in Group A. Switzerland quickly found themselves trailing 8-2. And too clumsy in shooting, the Helvetii saw the Azerbaijanis close the first quarter with a 10-point lead (20-10).
In the second quarter, the Swiss tightened their defenses, forcing a lot of enemy turnovers. With a skillful Selim Fofana (19 pts) behind the 3-point line, Switzerland was able to come back and finally take the lead 25-24 in the 18th.
Next stop Dublin
Without a real leader in the absence of Jonathan Kazadi, it was Robert Zinn and Selim Fofana who brought the ball back, but it was the defense which saved the national team, as well as the awakening of Anthony Polite.
The Swiss team will now fly to Dublin where they will play their second match of these prequalifications against Ireland on Sunday at 4 p.m.
ats/btro
2024-02-22 21:00:57
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