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BYU's basketball team took a major step up in competition Tuesday on its trip to Greece, and found the going much more difficult.

Having easily won their first two contests in Greece, the Cougars were routed 83-54 by the Greek National Team in the Acropolis of Athens Tournament. Despite 18 points from Stephen Rogers and a double-double by Charles Abouo, the Cougars were blown out by one of the top national teams in the world.

Greece is ranked No. 7 in the FIBA World Rankings.

The Cougars led 12-10 before Greece went on an 18-0 run to put the game away.

BYU will continue play in the tournament Wednesday against the Italian National Team.

Tuesday, Abouo had 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Rogers made three 3-pointers.

The Cougars rallied midway through the second quarter to cut the deficit to 39-23, but the Greeks ended the half on a 13-3 run.

Josh Sharp, Damarcus Harrison and Brock Zylstra chipped in offensively for BYU, but starting forward Noah Hartsock — who has battled a flu bug for three days — struggled to make a difference.