By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
What started as a very easy affair, turned out to be a real game and a close 81-78 overtime win for Croatia. After a 23-9 first quarter, the eventual winners let Philippines stay close and paid for it, as the Asians got a 69-66 lead with 2,5 minutes to go.
The reaction from the Balkans was a three pointer by Simon, a bucket by Saric, but William tied once again the score (71-71) with 40 seconds left on the clock and that led to extra time. Bojan Bogdanovic made 4/4 crucial free throws (79-75) and had 26 points. Andrey Blatche had also a huge game for the losing side with 28 points and 12 rebounds. He also cut the lead of Croatia to one (79-78) with a three and just seven seconds to go. Damjen Rudez with 2/2 free throws sealed the win, as William couldn’t make the last shot. That been said there was a contreversial non call on him in the last seconds with Oliver Lafayette pressing him.
Argentina made a statement by beating Puerto Rico by 23 points (98-75). Despite the absence of Manu Ginobili the pride of the “Golden generation” of Argentina made all the difference with Luis Scola being the top scorer with 21 points and Pablo Prigioni dishing 10 assists.
The last game at Seville wasn’t competitive at all. Greece was very focused and gave no chances to Senegal. Greeks were up 45-17 after the end of the first half and only for some minutes at the third period the African team tried to react . Greece won easily (87-64), Kaimakoglou was the top scorer (17p) and Giannis Antetokounmpo made his debut with the national team.