Croatia produced a stunning second quarter performance to claim a comfortable 92-67 win over Denmark to open their EuroBasket qualifying campaign.
Denmark had opened a 20-14 lead at the end of the first period but a 34-11 run in the second quarter by the visitors proved the difference as Croatia took a 48-31 half-time lead.
"In my opinion, we decided the game in the second quarter playing really, really tough in defense, running our game very well and scoring many easy points," said Croatian head coach Jasmin Repesa.
Denmark hit back with a 23-18 third quarter to reduce the deficit but the damage had already been done and Croatia wrapped up the victory with a 26-13 final period.
"I'm not satified, for sure, with the second half because - like at the start of the game - we play without 100 % concentration," Repesa said.
"I think we play a very good game," said Dannish coach Allan Foss.
"We were in the game for about 30 minutes in which we caused them problems. We won quarters and were close to fighting back twice.
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Mario Kasun scored 15 for Croatia.
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Zoran Planinic top-scored for Croatia with 20 points, while 15 from Mario Kasun and 13 from Marko Popovic ensured the victory.
"I think it was a good game for us," said Planinic.
"We had to get this win but Denmark proved to be a tough opponent, especially in the first quarter."
Christian Drejer top-scored for Denmark with 20 points, while Michael Andersen contributed 16 and Jens Jensen 13 as the home side fell short.
"We got into good shooting positions," said Foss.
"Unfortunately, we didn't make those shots. They did. That's the difference between being among the best teams in the world - which Croatia is - and being at middle European level - which we are."
Croatia entertain Estonia on September 6 in their next EuroBasket outing, while Denmark play host to Latvia.
"I think we have a good, young team and I think we have to win all six games in this qualification," Planinic said.
