Slovenia pulled away late in the third quarter to beat Poland 70-52 and clinch their second win of the EuroBasket.

Poland trailed 39-33 but Slovenia hit them with a 23-6 run that bridged the third and fourth quarter to take a commanding 62-39 lead with only five minutes remaining to put the game beyond Poland.

Slovenian center Erazem Lorbek had a game-high 16 points and pulled down eight rebounds

		Andrzej Pluta led Poland with 12 points

while team-mate Jaka Lakovic chipped in with 15 points.

"I have to congratulate my players," said Slovenia coach Ales Pipan. "We are in the position where we wanted to be, two wins after two games. I think the key to our victory today has been rebounding."

Looking to repeat Monday's impressive performance in their defeat to France, Poland started strong and took a 19-13 lead going into the second quarter.

However, Slovenia stepped up their defense and outscored their opponents 21-7 to take a 34-26 advantage at the break.

"I was really optismistic before the game," said Poland coach Andreej Urlep. "Things started well for us as we had a good first quarter and probably we could have taken a bigger lead had we not missed some easy layups.

"But we played a terrible second quarter, we had a chance to get back into the game in the third but we were unable to keep up with Slovenia. I have to congratulate Slovenia."

Filip Dylewicz's hot-hand allowed Poland to cut the deficit to six, 37-31, three minutes into the third quarter before Slovenia delivered the knock-out punch.

Dylewicz finished with nine points and nine rebounds while team-mate Andrzej Pluta led the Poles in scoring with 12 points.

Poland were out-rebounded 46 to 28.

Slovenia shot 19 of 23 (83%) from the charity stripe while Poland were 11 of 16 (65%).

Slovenia

Coach Ales Pipan: "The fact that I coach at club level in Poland has made it easier for me to prepare the game against Poland as I know all of their players. I have to congratulate my players. We are in the position where we wanted to be, two wins after two games."

Center Erazem Lorbek: "It was very important for us to get a win and we have done that. We are extremely happy considering our opening victory against Italy. More importantly, all the players are giving the contribution and we can only be optimistic."

Poland 

Coach Andreej Urlep: "I was really optimistic before the game. Things started well for us as we had a good first quarter and probably we could have taken a bigger lead had we not missed some easy lay-ups. But we played a terrible second quarter, we had a chance to get back into the game in the third but we were unable to keep up with Slovenia."

A buoyant Slovenia face dangerous Poland on Tuesday looking to take a step closer to reaching the qualifying round.

Jaka Lakovic's three-ball at the buzzer gave Slovenia a perfect start to the EuroBasket, with a 69-68 triumph over Italy.

Matjaz Smodis and Co. will not have an easy ride with Poland, who tested France until late in the game before conceding, 74-66.

Key Match-up: Slovenian star Matjaz Smodis will come up against Polish veteran Adam

		Adam Wojcik of Poland showed his class on Monday, scoring 19 points against France.

Wojcik. Wojcik already proved his quality when he poured in a game-high 19 points
against France. The 37-year-old, the most veteran player in the competition, will be eager to leave the international scene on a high note.

Stats: Poland will have to improve on their long-range shooting. They were a mere four of 19 (21%) outside the perimeter against France. They also struggled from the free throw line and will be looking to polish that aspect of their game against Slovenia. Poland made 10 of 17 free throws (58%) in their opening game.  Ales Pipan will be hoping his team can deliver a knock-out punch if they get a big lead as they did against Italy. Leading by 14 points with just five minutes to go, the Azzurri came back to take the lead only for Lakovic to rescue Slovenia.

X-Factor: If Poland show the same fighting spirit as they did against France, they will have a chance against Slovenia.  Poland showed they were not just making up the numbers with a determined display, something that bodes well for 2009 when they will host the
tournament.

Speaking out: "The win against Italy has given us further confidence that we can beat top teams.  We know that this game is crucial for us and we cannot fail.  However, we must learn to be able to control the game when we are leading and not do as we did against Italy when we allowed them to get back in the game." - Slovenia forward Matjaz Smodis.