By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Klemen Prepelic posted game-highs 20 points and nine assists as Slovenia beat China 75 – 73 in its first preparation game ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Prepelic, who successfully undertook both scoring and playmaking duties in the absence of Slovenia superstar Luka Doncic, hit a pair of free throws to make it 65 – 67 with 2:40 to play. Jaka Blazic drained the go-ahead triple and Slovenia remained ahead for the rest of the game.
This was Blazci’s first 3-pointer after six missed attempts. The veteran guard finished with seven points while Ziga Samar had 12 points and Gregor Glas scored 10 for Slovenia.
Zhou Qi led China with 16 points and nine rebounds while Zhao Rui dropped 13 points and Hu Jinqiu notched 12 points and five rebounds. Sasha Djordjevic’s side led 31 – 42 early in the second half but Slovenia came back and took the lead in the mid of the fourth period.
Slovenia, with Luka Doncic on board this time, will next face in Athens, Greece on August 2. Greek basketball legend and Hall of Famer Nick Galis will be officially recognized for his achievements by the Greek Basketball Federation.
Photo: Slovenian Basketball Federation