Poland breaks 52-year World Cup jinx

Poland's Mateusz Ponitka takes it strong to the hoop. (Fiba photo)

Poland collected its first victory on the world stage in 52 years as it defeated Venezuela 80-69 to start its Group A campaign in the FIBA World Cup 2019.

Michal Sokolowski paced five Polish players in double figures with 16 points to go with nine rebounds while Mateusz Ponitka had 15 points and Adam Hrycaniuk picked up a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds for Poland, whose last World Cup win came on June 10, 1967 against Uruguay.

Venezuela, who played its first World Cup contest since 2006, was paced by Pedro Chourio’s 15 points.

Poland had led by eight at halftime but saw Venezuela trim the gap to two, 44-42. The Europeans answered however with a 16-2 run as Aaron Cel and Karol Gruszecki both nailed three-pointers to open a 14-point lead. Venezuela was able to get within nine points after three quarters but that was the closest they would get the rest of the way.

Player of the Game Ponitka was 9 of 11 from the foul line also also hauled down five rebounds.

Poland held Venezuela to just 39 percent from the field, including 26 percent from long range. The Europeans also converted 18 of 25 free throws compared to just 7 of 11 for Venezuela.

Coach Mike Taylor’s team will take on the host squad on Monday while Venezuela looks to rebound against Cote d’Ivoire.

“I’m proud of our guys, great team victory. I’m proud we played to our identity which is unselfish basketball. I must give credit to Venezuela, they really came out on fire and showed their experience. We came out a little unconcentrated against Venezuela. They try to speed you up with pressure, so we had poor execution at the start but fortunately we hit our threes to stem the tide a little bit. We stuck through our identity and pulled it off,” Taylor said. (Fiba)