Sweden Hold On For Road Win

Sweden overcame a nervy fourth quarter in Sofia to beat Bulgaria in EuroBasket 2007 qualifying action.

It was the first win for the Swedes who dropped their opening two qualifiying games to Poland and Ukraine.

Mikael Lindqvist scored all 9 points in a 9-0 run which saw Sweden open up an 80-69 advantage with just under five minutes to play.

However, Bulgaria came back to cut the score to 83-78 with 1:15 left, before Sweden made the game safe from the free throw line.

Bulgaria's Filip Videnov has been an offensive force for his country so far in qualifying. He had 13 points in the first quarter of Bulgaria's game against Ukraine and 19 in the first half against Sweden.

But while Videnov consistently hit the target, his team-mates struggled and Bulgaria trailed 43-46 at halftime.

Sweden opened up an 8-point gap in the third quarter, but Bulgaria got right back in contention at the start of the fourth period when two free throws from young forward Kaloyan Ivanov cut Sweden's advantage to just one point, 66-65.

It was then that Lindqvist stepped up to hit what would be the first of 17 fourth quarter points with a three-pointer.

Todor Stoykov replied with a three of his own before Olivier Ilunga drove for a lay-up.

Lindqvist then buried two more long range threes and on the next play was fouled on another three-point attempt by an exasperated Yuliyan Radionov. He made all three free throws to give Sweden an 80-69 lead.

With the game seeemingly over the Swedes relaxed a little and almost allowed Bulgaria back into contention. But Lindqvist shot 5/6 from the free throw line inside the last minute and Sweden preserved the win.

Sweden shot an incredible 60% from the three-point line. Lindqvist was 4/7 for his 24 points while guard Kenny Grant made 6/7 for 21 points.

Videnov had a game high 29 points for Bulgaria, but star guard Todor Stoykov scored just 12 before fouling out.

Bulgaria face Ukraine in their next outing while Sweden take on Poland.