The Czech Republic’s national basketball team suffered a narrow defeat to Slovenia on Monday, March 2, 2026, in a qualifying match for the 2027 World Championship. Despite leading by as many as 19 points, the Czech team ultimately fell to Slovenia with a final score of 84-86.
Tomáš Kyzlink led the Czech team in scoring with 22 points, continuing a strong performance throughout the qualifying rounds. Tomáš Satoranský, who recently joined the team in Jihlava, contributed 15 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. Klemen Prepelič was the top scorer for Slovenia, with 20 points.
The game, played before a sold-out crowd of 5,321 at the Horácká arena, saw the Czech Republic initially take a strong lead, fueled by three-pointers from Kyzlink and Richard Bálint. However, Slovenia mounted a significant comeback in the second half, ultimately securing the win.
“First of all, I desire to thank my team for how they reacted to the game in Slovenia,” said coach Luboš Bartoň after the match. “They played a great first half with excellent shooting percentages and good ball movement. We played as we should have. But the second half offered a different picture – the opponent pressed us very hard and we didn’t know how to play against that.”
The Czech team built an early advantage, reaching a 21-10 lead thanks to a six-point run from Kyzlink and Satoranský. They extended their lead to 37-21 at the conclude of the first quarter and reached a 19-point lead in the second quarter, before Slovenia began to close the gap.
Slovenia began a strong push in the third quarter, narrowing the Czech lead with a 16-1 run. They eventually tied the game at 63-63, and then took their first lead of the match with a three-pointer from Urban Kroflič. This shift in momentum proved tricky for the Czech team to overcome.
Despite a late three-pointer from Kyzlink with 19 seconds remaining, bringing the score to 84-85, the Czech Republic was unable to secure a final basket. Prepelič made one of two free throws, and Satoranský’s final attempt was unsuccessful.
The loss brings the Czech Republic’s record in Group H to 2 wins and 2 losses in the qualification tournament. Their remaining games are scheduled for July 3rd against Sweden and July 6th at home against Estonia. The outcome of these games will be crucial for their chances of advancing to the 2027 World Championship.
During halftime, former Czech national team players Jaromír Bohačík, David Jelínek, Lukáš Palyza, and Tomáš Vyoral were honored for their contributions to the sport.
2027 World Championship Basketball Qualifiers – Round 4:
Group H:
Czech Republic – Slovenia 84:86 (27:21, 54:36, 63:63)
Czech Republic Roster and Points: Kyzlink 22, Satoranský 15, Peterka 4, Bálint 5, Kovář 6 – Hruban 10, Samoura 11, Kříž 3, Sýkora 3, Zídek 5.
Slovenia Top Scorers: Prepelič 20, Samar 15, Kroflič 14.
Fouls: 28:28. Free Throws: 29/22 – 29/23. Three-Pointers: 12:11. Rebounds: 37:37.
Estonia – Sweden 69:79 (22:23, 38:38, 55:51).
Standings:
|
1. |
Slovenia |
4 |
3 |
1 |
372:320 |
7 |
|
2. |
Czech Republic |
4 |
2 |
2 |
337:357 |
6 |
|
3. |
Estonia |
4 |
2 |
2 |
343:346 |
6 |
|
4. |
Sweden |
4 |
1 |
3 |
319:348 |
5 |
