Slovenia, the host nation of EuroBasket 2013, beat the reigning European champions Spain in Celje on Thursday 78:69 (9:14, 25:33, 52:51), in a match of two group C favourites of the preliminary round.
The first half was dominated by Spain, who were not impressed by the Slovenian crowd in Zlatorog Arena. Slovenia however managed to stay close to make things interesting.
Slovenia gradually closed the deficit in the third quarter and finished the period with a minimum lead to raise the hopes of the home crowd that a win against the top favourites of the tournament was possible.
The Slovenians kept their cool in the last period and even managed to increase the lead to near double digits in the final minute to bring home the win.
The highlight of the day in Group B in Jesenice was meanwhile the match between Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the Serbs managing to hold off a late push by their neighbours to notch up a 77:76 win.
Ukraine, widely considered as cannon fodder for other teams in Group A before the tournament, grabbed their second win in as many games by beating Israel 74:67.
Finland and Italy are meanwhile the top story in Group D, which is played in the coastal town of Koper, with both securing their second wins in as many attempts. Italy beat Turkey 90:75, while Finland crushed Sweden 81:60.
Source: The Slovenia Times
