WALBRZYCH (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - Poland gave their fans a thrill in the build-up to FIBA EuroBasket 2017 with a blowout win over the Czech Republic.

Playing in Walbrzych, a city in Lower Silesian Voivodeship in southwestern Poland, Mike Taylor's troops rolled to a 101-68 triumph over a Czech side that has yet to incorporate their two best players, Tomas Satoransky and Jan Vesely.

The Poles wasted no time in stepping on the accelerator, racing into a 26-13 lead by the end of the first quarter and extending that to a 43-26 advantage by half-time.

Mateusz Ponitka led the way with 22 points while Damian Kulig, coming off a strong season with Basketball Champions League side Banvit, had 21.

Although we are in the preparatory phase, we looked really solid, especially on defenseAdam Waczynski

Taylor knows that many a hard practice and game are ahead of Poland in the days and weeks to come but he is excited about the team's form and mentality.

"This game was a reward for our hard work," he said. "The players and staff were very involved and focused.

"I am pleased that we played so well in the first friendly game. I am glad that everyone was able to play and experience the team."

Captain Adam Waczynski, who had a strong domestic campaign with EuroCup winners Unicaja Malaga, gave a thumbs-up to the performance.

"Although we are in the preparatory phase, we looked really solid, especially on defense," he said. "Giving up 68 points to the Czech Republic is a good result. We can all be proud of it, all the more so because we scored 101. We have something to enjoy."

Poland will play in Group A at FIBA EuroBasket 2017 against Iceland, France, Greece, Slovenia and Finland.

FIBA