Belarus Prevail, Improve To 3-1

A fast start and strong three-point shooting helped Belarus defeat Bulgaria 74-56 in Division A.

Belarus are in a good position to win the group as they have a 3-1 record, while Bulgaria fell to 0-4.

Natallia Marchanka made a jumper to start the game, sparking a 9-1 start for Belarus.

After Bulgaria cut the early lead to 11-10 at the 3:35 mark, Belarus went on a 14-2 run to close the quarter to open up a 25-12 lead.

Katsiaryna Snytsina, who scored a team-best 16 for the game, hit a three-pointer just before the first quarter buzzer to cap the run.

For the game, Belarus made 7-of-11 three-point field goals.

Belarus held an eight-point lead going into halftime and then put the game out of reach by going on a 9-0 run to start the third.

Belarus once again used the three-point shot to their advantage as Marchanka and Nataliya Trafimava each hit from long range to start the spurt.

Following the spurt, Bulgaria would never get to within single digits.

Belarus’ solid defense held Bulgaria to 34 percent shooting overall for the game.

Marinela Marinova Agalareva, Milena Tomova and Radostina Slavova each scored 15 points for Bulgaria.

However, the trio would get little help as the rest of the Bulgarian team scored just 11 points combined.

On Wednesday, both teams resume their qualifying round play, with Belarus taking on Hungary and Bulgaria going up against Greece.