By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
MANILA, Philippines – After getting the upper hand of China in the first game of their Group B path, Serbia didn’t have any problems against Puerto Rico either, winning 94-73 after being up by 30 points (57-27) at halftime.
Nikola Milutinov played a hell of a game on the glass, delivering a double-double of 12 points and 15 rebounds. Nikola Jovic had an impressive outing as well, concluding his second-ever FIBA World Cup game with 17 points – including a thundering dunk – 3 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Bogdan Bogdanovic, who before the game had scored 305 points in the FIBA World Cup, more than any other player in the competition since his debut in 2014, added the same scoring amount.
“The result was great because we won. But I will not say that we are happy,” said Jovic referring to his side slowing down in the second half.
On the losing side, George Conditt IV tried his best to contain the newest Olympiacos center, grabbing 11 boards. The best scorers on Neston Colon’s team were Jordan Howard and Isaiah Pineiro, who combined for 27 points.
“In the second half, we tried to get back in the game,” mentioned head coach Colon, “At the end of the day, it was not enough to beat a team like Serbia.”
Serbia is now really close to qualification to the second round, being on top of Group B with a 2-0 record. Puerto Rico and South Sudan are tied at 1-1 right behind them, while Sasha Djordjevic’s China is at the bottom, winless.
Nikola Jovic with two hands for safety 🔒#FIBAWC x #WinForSrbija 🇷🇸 pic.twitter.com/yie4FbcPpD
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2023
PHOTO CREDIT: 2023 FIBA World Cup
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