By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
MANILA, Philippines – Montenegro prevailed over Egypt in what proved to be an easy game for the Balkan nation, which got things early in check and cruised until the end.
Led by the Chicago Bulls star Nikola Vucevic, Montenegro got the 89-74 win and with a 2-0 record has already secured qualification to the next round.
The Balkans can even aim for the top with a win over Lithuania, a game which should be considered their first big test in this tournament.
Vucevic finished the game with 16 points and seven rebounds in 20 minutes of action, Nikola Ivanovic added 15 points, while naturalized point guard Kendrick Perry had 11 points and six assists.
Against Egypt, Montenegro established itself by leading by 10 (27-17) after the first quarter and by 14 at halftime (51-37).
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Their advantage jumped to 19 points (62-43) in the third period, which ended with Montenegro up by 14 (70-56).
Egypt couldn’t get back into the game at any point and tried for the best without really having answers.
Ehab Amin had 26 points for the losing side, but that didn’t mean much in the big picture as his team has a 0-2 record.
PHOTO CREDIT: 2023 FIBA World Cup