By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Back in the aftermath of “Akropolis Tournament”, Serbia head coach Sasa Djordjevic and leader Bogdan Bogdanovic had both emphasized on their team’s need to perform better in close-game situations down the stretch.
Well, they must certainly be pleased with their squad’s behavior in the final minutes against a tough Latvia, which made the difference for a 92 – 82 victory.
The Star: Bogdan Bogdanovic added his name to the list of players that have entered the tournament not simply in an emphatic manner, but by notching an international-career high. The Sacramento Kings player dropped 30 points (9/17 from the field, 4/4 from the line), surpassing his previous personal best (26 vs Puerto Rico in last year’s Pre-Olympic tournament).
Dairis Bertans posted 23 points plus 6 assists for Latvia while Kristaps Porzingis finished with 18 points (7/16 field goals), 4 blocks 4 rebounds in the 28:30 he spent on the floor. He would arguably play more if he wasn’t called for his fourth foul, three minutes into the second half.
Despite the defeat, he had plenty of moments filled with pure Unicorn magic.
Experience matters: When Porzingis put Latvia ahead 73 – 75 with 3:14 left, Serbia reacted ideally. Bogdanovic won a foul to tie the match and then two key defenses led to an equal number of transition plays that gave them an 80 – 75 lead. Coach Ainars Bagatskis’ players lacked the calm to respond and the “Orlovi” won the day.
Photo Credit: FIBA Europe