Maksim Zakurdaev delivered a stellar 16-point performance to help Ukraine defeat Turkey 21:17 in the European 3x3 Basketball Championship qualifiers on June 7. The Ukrainian sharpshooter connected on four long-range two-pointers in the crucial victory, which came after a disappointing 9:21 loss to Belgium earlier in the day.
The Ukrainian squad struggled in their opening match, as Belgium took control early and never relinquished their advantage. Balaban contributed 5 points in the losing effort, while Kabatsyura and Zakurdaev added 2 points each.
However, the team bounced back impressively in their second Group B encounter. Zakurdaev's offensive explosion was complemented by Kabatsyura's 5 points as they secured the win over Turkey.
"We knew we needed to respond after the Belgium game, and everyone stepped up, especially Zakurdaev with his shooting," a team representative might have said after the impressive turnaround.
The 1-1 record in group play has earned Ukraine a quarter-final matchup against Poland, scheduled for Sunday, June 8 at 13:40. The Polish squad advanced after defeating Switzerland 19:12 in their only Group D contest.
By the way, the qualification tournament in Bucharest, Romania, will send three teams to the European Championship finals – the two finalists plus the winner of the third-place game.
Can Ukraine overcome Poland to move one step closer to qualifying? Sunday's quarter-final will tell the tale.
