POLAND collected its first victory on the world stage in 52 years as the side defeated Venezuela 80-69 Saturday for an ideal start to their Group A campaign at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in Beijing.

Michal Sokolowski paced five Polish players in double figures with 16 points to go with 9 rebounds while Mateusz Ponitka had 15 points and Adam Hrycaniuk picked up a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds for Poland, whose last World Cup win came June 10, 1967, against Uruguay.

Venezuela, which played its first World Cup contest since 2006, was paced by Pedro Chourio’s 15 points.

Poland had led by 8 points at halftime but saw Venezuela trim the gap to 2 points, 44-42. The Europeans answered however with a 16-2 run as Aaron Cel and Karol Gruszecki both nailed three-pointers to open a 14-point lead. Venezuela players were able to get within 9 points after three quarters but that was the closest they would get the rest of the way.

Player of the Game Mateusz Ponitka was great for Poland with 15 points — including 9 of 11 from the foul line. He also chipped in 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block.(FIBA)