Croatia Dominates Cyprus in World Cup Qualifiers
Croatia delivered a resounding statement of intent, crushing Cyprus 123-50 in FIBA World Cup Qualifying action. The game was effectively decided early, as Croatia built a commanding 23-point lead in the first quarter and never relented. By halftime, the score stood at 59-26, a margin that only widened as the contest progressed. Croatia's offensive efficiency was staggering, shooting a blistering 69% from the field (45/65) compared to Cyprus's 28% (18/64). The depth of the Croatian roster was evident, with their bench contributing 52 points to Cyprus's 21. Dario Saric led the charge with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds, complemented by Ivica Zubac's own double-double featuring 24 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks. Mario Hezonja flirted with a triple-double, tallying 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Stefanos Tigkas was the top scorer for Cyprus with 10 points. This dominant victory signals Croatia's strong form and sets a formidable tone for their qualifying campaign.