EuroBasket 2022, Croatia – Estonia 73-70: The job was done by force

Croatia had to work harder than expected to break Estonia’s resistance and claim victory (73-70) in the first game of Round 3 for EuroBasket 2022 Group C.

Damir Mulaomerovic’s players got quite smug in the first few minutes of the game, which rightfully made Estonia believe they could pull off the miracle. With more than 3,000 fans by their side, Estonia felt like home.

+7 (5-12 in 6′) typified the situation, with Croatia reacting quickly to finish the first third in a driving position. In no way, however, did he feel safe or… calm. Especially since Bojan Bogdanovic finished the first half without a shot in the penalty area (0/4 shots, 2/2 shots).

As time went by, Estonia began to believe in this more and more, with their big men doing a great job and the defense consistently playing at a high level. Hence the -2 (48-46 at 28′) that gave Yuka Toiyala’s team the right to continue the hard effort in the pursuit of…glory.

With two and a half minutes to go, the difference even dropped to -1 (66:65), a sign that everything was working perfectly for Estonia – contrary to what was happening on the other side. However, despite the extra effort, the lead didn’t change hands as Estonia never found the big shots they were looking for and needed and Yanari Joesaar missed a shot at 9.3′ that could have leveled the game at that point.

Staying ahead until the final, Croatia put all their might into clinching the win that keeps them on their way to second in Group 3.

THE DECADES: 20-16, 33-29, 53-48, 73-70.

CROATIAN (Mulaomerovic): Bogdanovic 4 (1/6 shots, 5 rebounds, 4 fouls), Gnidic, Hezonia 5 (1 three-pointer, 5 rebounds), Matkovic 17 (8/8 two-pointers, 1/1 shot, 4 rebounds). ), Mavra, Ramliak 2, Saric 15 (2 threes, 12 rebounds), Simon 9 (1), Smith 13 (2/7 threes, 7 assists), Zubac 8 (8 rebounds).

ESTONIA (Toyala): Dorbeck, Drell 5 (1 3-pointers, 7 rebounds), Joesaar 5 (1/7 shooting), Kitching 6 (1), Kochar 17 (8/13 2-pointers, 0/1 3-pointers) , 1/5 shot, 5 rebounds, 3 assists), Chrisa 5 (0/7 3 pointers), Koulamae 14 (2), Raieste, Sock, Tash, Vene 18 (1/1 2 pointers, 5/10 3 – Pointers, 1/2 shots, 3 rebounds).

Croatia team stats: 20/39 2-pointers, 6/20 3-pointers, 15/21 shots, 46 rebounds (33 defensive + 13 offensive), 16 assists, 18 turnovers, 9 steals, 3 blocks.

Estonia team statistics: 15/31 2-pointers, 10/35 3-pointers, 10/18 shots, 33 rebounds (22 defense + 11 offense), 19 assists, 13 turnovers, 7 steals, 3 blocks.