The Albanian men’s basketball national team kicked off its journey in Group C of the World Cup pre-qualifiers this past Sunday afternoon, narrowly losing 79-84 in their first away game against Armenia. In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, the match played on Sunday in Yerevan, and broadcasted live by RTSH Sport, commenced with a minute of silence to honor 16-year-old Alteo Hyseni, who tragically lost his life the previous Saturday at Tirana’s “Asllan Rusi” Sports Palace.

The game was fiercely contested, with the initial ten minutes seeing both teams battling point for point, concluding in favor of the hosts with a slim one-point advantage, 24-23. The second quarter favored the Armenians, who outscored Albania 24-19, leading 48-42 at halftime. However, the Albanian national team, under the guidance of coach Erkand Karaj, emerged revitalized after halftime, winning the third quarter 17-14 and narrowing the hosts’ lead to just three points, 59-62, after thirty minutes of play.

Even in the fourth quarter, the Albanians trailed Armenia by only two points, having several opportunities to level the score and potentially force overtime. Yet, some errors in their three-point shooting allowed the home team to capitalize and seal the game in their favor, winning the final quarter 22-20 and clinching the match 84-79, securing their first victory in the group after suffering defeat to Austria on Thursday at the latter’s home.

The group’s fixtures will resume in November, with Albania set to host Austria in Tirana on the 21st, followed by Armenia hosting the Austrians at home three days later.

/k.s/