Belgium led from start to finish and beat Ukraine on Wednesday to taste victory for the first time in Group C of EuroBasket Division A.

Needing to win to have a realistic chance of qualifying directly for next year's final round in Poland, the Belgians prevailed 72-61 with Christophe Beghin pouring in 16 points and pulling down six rebounds.

The result has left Belgium, Ukraine and France all with 1-2 records while Turkey are flying high at the top of the group at 3-0.

Belgium stunned Ukraine by scoring 10 straight points to open the game, only for the visitors to hit back with a 9-0 run themselves that was capped by an Artur Drozdov lay-up.

Drozdov would go on to score a game-high 27 points in defeat.

Aleksander Lichodzijewski calmed the Belgian nerves with a three-pointer and that started an 8-1 run that was capped by a Dimitri Lauwers shot from behind the arc.

After taking a 37-30 advantage to the break, Belgium saw Ukraine twice close the gap to just five points in the third quarter.

The home side managed to stay on top with a comfortable lead the rest of the way.

On two occasions, Ukraine were able to pull to within 10 points in the fourth quarter but the night belonged to Belgium.

Belgium forced Ukraine to commit 21 turnovers and also held them to only 34% from the field.

Lauwers chipped in 11 points for Belgium.

The hosts also got nine points and nine boards from Lichodzijewski.

 

Eddy Casteels, Belgium coach:

"This is more than just an important victory. It is a delayed confirmation of our strong first three quarters performance against both France and Turkey and proof that this team can win despite the absence of Axel Hervelle. We immediately took the initiative and never surrendered the lead, despite some unfavorable calls by the referees. Our defensive strategy was good and offensively we had some players that came through with some key baskets. Everything is possible in this group, because of this win. As far as our possibilities? We can go far, take note of it."
 
Lionel Bosco, Belgium player:

"This was a team effort. I don't look at the statistics, we fought as a team and we won deservedly. That's more important than statistics. There are no egos in this team, that's our strongest point. Ukraine are a tough team, but this is our third win over them in one year, so I guess you can say that they're a good match for us. And the proof that 'little' Belgium has something to offer as well. Unfortunately we can't rest on our laurels, because France awaits us on Saturday; a crucial game for both countries. Parker scored 32 in Turkey. As far as I'm concerned, he can make 40 on Saturday; as long as we come up with the win."