THE Czech Republic made history by advancing to the second round after an upset 91-76 victory over Turkey on Thursday.

In its first ever FIBA Basketball World Cup, the team joined Team USA to make it out of Group E. The Czech Republic was led by Vojtech Hruban, who had 18 points, and big man Ondrej Balvin, who added 17 points and 11 rebounds.

After a deflating one-point overtime loss against USA just two days ago, Turkey started sluggishly and could not recover against their efficient opponents. NBA players Cedi Osman (24 points) and Furkan Korkmaz (16 points) tried hard for Turkey.

Turkey had the momentum early in the fourth, and a three from Melih Mahmutoglu cut the deficit to three. But Hruban responded from deep to fuel an 8-0 run and stretch the Czech Republic’s lead back out to double digits. Ondrej Balvin was an intimidating presence all game for the Czech Republic and Turkey’s frontline were helpless in stopping him.

The Czech Republic will face the winner from Group F, while Turkey plays for classification.

(FIBA)