Czech Republic took on Norway in EuroBasket on Friday evening and won 108:97. The hosts started brightly, built a lead, and saw the game out despite a second-half push from the visitors. To be fair, the visitors made it interesting in the closing stages, but the Czechs held firm when it mattered.
By then the margin had stretched beyond reach. Norway picked up two bookings in five minutes of physical play and couldn't find the rhythm they needed. The visitors were all over the court, but the Czech defence — disciplined, patient — kept them at bay.
Czech Republic shot 32 from 72 in the field and 12 from 36 on three-pointers. Norway managed 27 from 60 overall and 11 from 36 beyond the arc. Both sides took 36 threes, but the Czechs were sharper when it counted. And here's the thing — it wasn't about volume, it was about who hit under pressure.
The rebounding told part of the story. Czech Republic pulled in 40 boards to Norway's 27, with 15 on the offensive end. That gives you an idea of how many second chances they created. Norway's defensive rebounds stood at 20, but they simply couldn't secure the ball long enough to build momentum.
Turnovers were close — 17 for the Czechs, 16 for Norway — but the difference came in execution. Czech Republic dished 27 assists to Norway's 17. The visitors are in second place after four games, three wins and one loss, but this was a reminder that even a good run can come undone in one night.