EUROBASKET QUALIFIERS

Hungary evened their record in Group C of the EuroBasket Qualification Round with a 77-64 win over Cyprus on Monday evening.

Péter Lóránt had 25 points and Ádám Hanga 22 as Hungary hit back from their heavy defeat at Croatia over the weekend.

Hungary only had a 31-30 lead with 2:00 remaining in the first half when they went on a small run to gain a comfortable advantage.

Zoltán Trepák hit two free-throws and Lóránt a lay-up, forcing the visiting coach Antonis Constantinides to call a timeout.

After play resumed, though, Lóránt struck again with another basket down low and Obie Trotter finished the half with a fast-break lay-up to send the Hungarians to the changing rooms in front, 39-30.

Laszlo Ratgeber's team had its lead cut to four points on four occasions in the third quarter but Cyprus got no closer.

Instead, Hungary opened up a 65-50 lead by the end of the third quarter and remained comfortably ahead the rest of the way.

Next up for the Hungarians is a vital home clash on Thursday with Ukraine while Cyprus, who are 0-4, are at Austria.