By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Despite missing some key players, Slovenia managed to beat a star-laden Croatia 87 – 86 in a preparation match held in Varazdin (Croatia) ahead of September’s World Cup Qualifiers.
Even though this wasn’t an official game, it’s a victory that can bring some optimism to the ranks of Slovenia that will begin Round 2 of the Qualifiers at the last spot of Group I with a 2 – 4 record. Especially considering that the reigning EuroBasket champions lacked naturalized forward/center Anthony Randolph, who is expected to most likely undertake a leadership role in the upcoming Qualifiers games, plus Edo Muric and Vlatko Cancar.
There’s also the fact Croatia featured nearly all of its big names, such as Indiana Pacers forward Bojan Bogdanovic (17 points with 5/13 shots in 30 minutes plus seven rebounds and five assists), Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (15 points, six assists in 30 minutes), L.A.Lakers center Ivica Zubac (six points in 16 minutes) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Ante Zizic (12 points, five rebounds in 23 minutes).
Their efforts, along with Jakov Mustapic’s fiery game of 24 points, weren’t enough for Croatia that fell behind 77 -61 with eight minutes remaining and never fully recovered from that deficit.
Led by Jakob Cebasek (22 points), Blac Mesicek (14 points) and Matic Rebec (a double-double of 12 points/10 assists) Slovenia established the aforementioned lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter and held back the comeback of its opponents to prevail in the end.
Croatia is at a tight spot in the World Cup Qualifiers since they are 3-3 in Group J. They are tied with Poland, Netherlands, and Hungary at the third place while Lithuania (6-0) and Italy (4-2) own the first two spots.
Slovenia’s Group also includes Spain (6-0), Turkey (4-2), Latvia (4-2), Montenegro (3-3) and Ukraine (3-3).
Photo: @kzs_si