EUROBASKET QUALIFIERS

Ukraine used a huge late run to open their EuroBasket qualifying campaign with a 77-71 win over Hungary.

Kyryl Natyazhko had his presence felt inside for Ukraine

The hosts scored the final 11 points of the game to turn a five-point deficit into a six-point win inside the final four minutes.

In a back-and-fourth game which saw the teams trade the lead throughout, Hungary went into the fourth quarter leading 59-57 thanks to Krisztian Wittman's three-pointer to end the third.

They were up 63-59 when Adam Hanga scored a fast-break lay-up with 7:48 to go and it was 71-66 to the Hungarians when Obie Trotter his a jump-shot with 3:49 on the clock.

But those were the last points Hungary would score as Ukraine battled back.

Sergii Gladyr's free throws got the run started and they were in front once more on Oleksiy Pecherov's jump-shot with 81 seconds left.

Hungary missed six shots in a row and then committed two key turnovers, and Ukraine made them pay at the free throw line with Stiven Bertt and Gladyr hitting key shots down the stretch.

Gladyr finished with 19 points for Ukraine, and Viacheslav Kravtsov added 13, Bertt 12 and Kyryl Natyazhklo 11.

Hanga had 21 points for Hungary, with Akos Horvath and Miklos Szabo adding 10 apiece.