By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Russia became the second Group B team to advance in the Round 2 of the World Cup by defeating South Korea 87 – 73 and doubling its first-stage wins.
Four players scored in double figures to propel what was a quite balanced Russian team effort on both ends. Andrey Vorontsevich notched 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists, Vitaly Fridzon added 13 points, Mikhail Kulagin 11 points and Andrey Zubkov 11 as well.
Daesung Lee led Korea with 17 points in 22:23 minutes before getting fouled out. His team stayed close to its opponents for more than one half (39 – 40 in the beginning of the third quarter) but Russia came out of the locker rather angry.
Thanks to a 10-0 run, Sergey Bazarevich’s players took a 49 – 39 lead and then closed the period up 49 – 63. The Korean team was unable to overcome such a deficit.
“I was really nervous. Because I knew that they could come back,” Bazarevich said.
Russia will face Argentina, the other undefeated team of Group B, Wednesday (4/9) in the game that will determine which squad will win first place. Korea will play against also winless Nigeria.
“They have a really good team. With really good point guards. I’m a really personal fan of Campazzo. Because he plays with such poise. He’s the heart. It’s unbelievable,” Bazarevich said.
Photo: FIBA Basketball