Austria upset in Cyprus ahead of match with North Macedonia

Austria suffered a surprise defeat in Cyprus on 27 August 2026, losing 77-72 in the opening game of the group that also includes North Macedonia in the second cycle of pre-qualifiers for EuroBasket 2029.

Key performers tipped the balance

Cyprus rode the hot hand of Filipos Tigkas, who finished the game with 25 points, while Stefanos Tigkas added 15 and Paschialis contributed 13. Their performance proved decisive against an Austrian side that had trouble finding consistent offensive rhythm.

For Austria, Mbemba was the top scorer with 19 points and Kapić added 18, but those efforts were not enough to overturn the deficit in the closing stages.

The result gives Cyprus an early boost in the group and hands Austria a setback immediately before their scheduled meeting with the Macedonian national basketball team in this qualifying window.

Both teams will use the remainder of the window to regroup and adjust tactics; Austria will look to shore up its defense, while Cyprus will aim to build on the confidence from this home victory.

Official statistics from the match record the final score as 77-72 and list the individual scorers exactly as reported: Filipos Tigkas 25, Stefanos Tigkas 15, Paschialis 13 for Cyprus; Mbemba 19, Kapić 18 for Austria.

Photo: fiba.basketball