By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Lauri Marrkanen had a relatively good game with 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. However, those numbers are deceiving in this case, as Serbia got the 100-70 over Finland, in a game that ended up being a glorified practice.
The Serbs mathematically secured qualification to the Round of 16 with a 3-0 record in Group D, while Finland is tied with the Czech Republic at 1-2 on the fourth spot.
Nikola Jokic played 26 minutes, having 13 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists, while also Nemanja Nedovic (14 p.), Vasilje Micic (14 p. 7 as.), Nikola Kalinic (13 p.), Vladimir Lucic (12 p.) and Marko Guduric (11 p.) scored in double digits.
Αs Nedovic said, who is coming off an injury, said about the team performance and also about the return of center Nikola Milutinov to action and the absence of Vanja Marinkovic: “Perhaps it’s not a real difference, but our energy was at the level. We played really great defense, we all wanted to win… this is a recipe for the continuation. Whoever enters the field contributes positively to our game. We miss some players. We are glad that Nikola Milutinov is back, but we miss Vanja, he is a very important cog of this team… “
It was one more reminder about the fact that the Serbs are at least one level above all their competition in the group phase.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL