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SportsPortugal falls 68-72 to Montenegro, complicating 2027 World Cup qualification
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Portugal's national basketball team, the Lynx, lost 68-72 to Montenegro at home in Matosinhos during the penultimate round of Group B in the first round of qualification for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Montenegro built a strong lead by halftime (36-21) and controlled the game despite Portugal's second-half rally. The loss complicates Portugal's path to the next phase, especially as Romania gained momentum by defeating Greece 73-66. With one round remaining, Portugal still controls its own destiny: a win against Greece in Athens on Sunday secures advancement. If Portugal loses, they can still qualify if Romania does not beat Montenegro.
Source report
Lynx yield in Matosinhos, leaving Group B qualification calculations postponed until the match in Athens
Alexandre Reis — Journalist
Portugal could not withstand Montenegro, losing (68-72) this Thursday at home in Matosinhos to the Balkan team, in a match of the penultimate round of Group B, in the first round of qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
The calculations became more complicated for advancing to the next phase, especially since Romania gained new momentum by defeating Greece (73-66).
Montenegro started very strong and built a lead until halftime (36-21), which they then controlled masterfully, making the Lynx's good reaction of little use.
With one round left to play, Portugal still depends on itself, needing only to beat Greece in Athens on Sunday.
If they lose, they can still advance, provided Romania does not beat Montenegro.
See the match report here.
Source
RecordRegional
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