some_highlights_1_st_half from Kim Thesen on Vimeo.
In the pre-qualification tournament for the World Championship 2023, Luxembourg played its 3rd game of the group on Thursday-evening against Iceland. After very strong 25 minutes, Luxembourg could not continue to play on a high level during the last 15 minutes and lost the game 76:90 in the end.
First quarter
In a balanced first quarter, Luxembourg had some unnecessary turnovers. However, the team had some strong attacks to the basket and were able to go to the free-throw-line or to finish at the rim. After a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Kovac, Luxembourg had a 1-point-lead after 10 minutes. In general, Luxembourg had a great start into the game and showed the right body-language.
Second quarter
A very strong Clancy Rugg led Luxembourg to a 30:23-lead and our national team forced their opponent into a time-out. Iceland missed some open shots and Luxembourg (including the bench players) did a good job to keep the lead alive by playing aggressive in defense. After 2 difficult three-pointers by Gutenkauf and Moura, the FLBB-squad had a small lead after 20 minutes. Rugg had 15 points at the half time while 7 other players had at least 2 rebounds. Many balls were kept alive by Luxembourg with hustle-plays and the team was able to go into the third quarter with a lead (38:34).
Third quarter
Iceland played much stronger after the break, they created plays for their big guy Hlinason who had 4 dunks within 5 minutes. Luxembourg struggled to hit shots against a strong zone-defense and Iceland was able to build a small lead. Hence, Rugg gave Luxembourg hope with a buzzer-beating layup (video) before the final quarter.
Fourth quarter
However, Iceland was in control of the game and was very strong from the free-throw-line (25:27). Luxembourg could not reduce the deficit in the final minutes and Iceland made key shots to decide the game 3 minutes before the final buzzer.
Notes around the game:
– Rugg had a game-high 26 points, Gutenkauf (15) and Vujakovic (14) scored in double digits as well.
– Luxembourg made 7 threes on 24 attempts and 17/22 free-throws.
– game stats –> game_stats_Luxembourg_Iceland
– Starting 5:
Gutenkauf, Grün, Laurent, Vujakovic, Rugg
– Alex Laurent fouled out of the game after 28 minutes. Coach Ken Diederich took a risk by letting Laurent in the game in this crucial 3rd quarter, clearly the right decision, but Laurent did not jump straight up while trying to block a shot and his game was over.
– The game was played in Bratislava, the team is in a bubble until Saturday.
– Gaetan Bernimont was not named to the 12-man-roster before the game.
Results so far in this pre-qualification:
Luxembourg – Kosovo 80:84
Slovakia – Luxembourg 73:65
Articles from our press:
Wort.lu –> FLBB-Auswahl verliert nach Halbzeitführung
Tageblatt.lu –> Trotz Pausenführung, FLBB-Herren verlieren gegen Island
rtl.lu –> Letzebuerg verléiert no gudder 1. Hallschent
mental.lu –> Le Luxembourg s’incline face à l’Islande
Dunk_Laurent.mov from Kim Thesen on Vimeo.
Rugg_buzzer_3rd_quarter.mov from Kim Thesen on Vimeo.
3_pointer_Iceland.mov from Kim Thesen on Vimeo.
dunk_Hlinason from Kim Thesen on Vimeo.
