By John Rammas/ irammas@eurohoops.net
Complicated math coming into play, Croatia defeated Ukraine, 90-85, effectively sending Italy to the fourth seed of Group C.
Italy has been locked in the fourth seed but depending on how the Azzurri conclude the preliminary round of 2022 EuroBasket, Croatia and Ukraine will get their respective seeds. Gianmarco Pozzecco’s side potentially beating Great Britain at Mediolanum Forum later today would rank Ukraine second and Croatia third, but an upset would land Croatia in the second seed and Ukraine in the third.
Utah Jazz sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic was behind the Chequered Ones matching Ukraine at 3-2 in the final standings of Group C. Pouring 20 points after the break of the Gameday 5 fixture, he wrapped up his efforts in Milan with 27 points behind 8/16 field goals, including 4/5 three-pointers.
An 11-0 run midway through the fourth quarter turned the four-point deficit into a seven-point lead with 2:34 remaining. Krunoslav Simon fueled the game-winning sprint with three points and three assists. The veteran swingman ended up with 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists in 21 minutes.
Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers added ten points and eight rebounds, while Dario Saric of the Phoenix Suns was limited to 1/7 field goals and three points. Dominik Mavra put in 11 of his 13 points in the second period and New Orleans Pelicans draft pick Karlo Matkovic threw in ten more points.
On the losing end, Volodymyr Gerun went for 21 points. Bogdan Bliznyuk had 16 points. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk followed with 14 points. Alex Len of the Sacramento Kings had six points, four assists, and three rebounds in 22 minutes.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL