Hungary vs Belgium

Hungary seized control early and never relinquished it. The hosts led 18-15 after the first quarter and stretched the advantage to 45-36 by halftime, matching their first-half margin from the December meeting in Mons.

The third quarter proved decisive. Hungary extended the lead to 66-53 entering the final period. Belgium, who had trailed 66-51 in the December game before mounting a 30-21 fourth-quarter rally, could not produce a repeat. Hungary’s defense held firm, limiting Belgium to 17 points in the fourth quarter — well below the 30 they scored in the final period of the first encounter.

Nate Reuvers led Hungary’s scoring, consistent with his tournament-leading average of 21.0 points per game across the qualifiers. The 6’11” forward also averaged a team-high 8.0 rebounds per game, providing a formidable inside presence. Zoltan Perl, Hungary’s second-leading scorer at 19.2 PPG, provided the secondary punch. Szilard Benke added perimeter support.

For Belgium, Retin Obasohan — the team’s leading scorer at 22.5 PPG — carried the offensive load. The veteran guard exploded for 31 points in the December meeting but found less room against a Hungary defense that had clearly studied his patterns.

Hungary’s 21-17 third quarter was the decisive segment. After Belgium trimmed the deficit to single digits late in the second quarter, Hungary opened the second half with renewed defensive intensity, forcing three Belgium turnovers in the first four minutes and converting them into transition baskets that pushed the lead to 15.

Hungary’s commitment to attacking the paint paid dividends. The hosts shot 53.1% on two-point field goals across the qualifiers — among the best marks in Group G — and consistently found high-percentage looks inside against a Belgium defense that struggled to contain dribble penetration.

Nate Reuvers (Hungary) — Player of the Match. The American-born Hungarian international was the team’s most efficient scorer and anchor on both ends, averaging 24.0 efficiency rating entering the contest.

Zoltan Perl (Hungary) — The veteran swingman provided the secondary scoring punch, consistent with his 19.2 PPG average across the qualifiers.

Retin Obasohan (Belgium) — Belgium’s best player throughout the qualifiers, averaging 22.5 PPG and 2.5 steals per game. Unable to replicate his 31-point December performance against a tighter Hungary defence.

Gyorgy Goloman (Hungary) — Contributed on the glass and as a rim protector, averaging 4.0 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game in the qualifiers.

Hungary entered averaging 80.6 points per game in the qualifiers, Belgium 72.2. The 85-70 final saw Hungary exceed their average while holding Belgium below theirs — a continuation from the 87-85 first meeting. The 15-point margin was Hungary’s largest win of the campaign so far. Belgium’s 70 points was their lowest total in the competition, underscoring the effectiveness of Hungary’s defensive game plan.

Hungary’s 53.1% two-point shooting efficiency (best in Group G) was the foundation of their offensive success, generating high-percentage looks particularly in the decisive second half.

The result leaves Hungary at 2-2 in Group G (6 points), with Finland (3-1, 7 points) and France (3-1, 7 points) already qualified for the Second Round. Belgium (0-4, 4 points) are eliminated from Second Round qualification.

Hungary must win their remaining two First Round games — against Finland and France in the November 2026 window — and rely on other results to progress. The Second Round begins 27 August 2026.

Hungary’s 85-70 victory was built on defensive discipline and efficient inside scoring. Reuvers and the Hungary frontcourt dominated the paint, while Belgium’s dependence on Obasohan’s individual brilliance proved insufficient. The sweep of the season series (87-85 in December, 85-70 in July) reflects a genuine gap between these two sides in the current qualifying cycle.

Hungary 85-70 Belgium FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers — First Round, Group G MET Arena, Székesfehérvár, Hungary 6 July 2026

Referees: Paulo Marques (POR), Branimir Galić (CRO), Nermin Hodzic (GER) Technical Delegate: Milan Brziak (SVK)

Head-to-head: Hungary leads 7-4 all-time