Norway edged out Bulgaria 86-80 in a closely fought Europe Basketball Championship Qualifier on July 20, 2023. The home side held off a persistent Bulgarian challenge to secure a vital victory in their quest for a spot in the continental championship. Norway built a solid lead in the first half through efficient perimeter shooting, but Bulgaria fought back relentlessly in the third and fourth quarters, closing the gap to within a single possession on multiple occasions. The decisive sequence came in the final two minutes, as Norway executed flawlessly in half-court sets and secured key defensive stops to seal the six-point win. This result provided a crucial two points for Norway in the qualifying group table, boosting their chances of advancement, while Bulgaria was left to rue missed opportunities in clutch moments. The Norwegian coach praised his team's composure down the stretch, while the Bulgarian staff highlighted the effort in the comeback attempt.