By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Serbia began the second stage of the FIBA World Cup in the same manner the team won most of its first-round games: A blowout win.
Five players scored in double figures, as Serbia defeated Puerto Rico 90 – 47 in the Group J opener. The “Orlovi” are now 4-0, since they carry three wins from the first round, while the Puerto Rican side has dropped to 2-2.
Nemanja Bjelica scored a game-high 18 points and grabbed six rebounds in 17:34 for Serbia. Boban Marjanovic added 16 points while taking over as a point guard when needed…
Starting at Point God: @BobanMarjanovic. ? #FIBAWC@KSSrbije ?? #SrbijaGotGame pic.twitter.com/VzGYUXBTUC
— Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) September 6, 2019
Nikola Jokic posted 14 points and 10 rebounds in 16:36. He dished out only one assist but it was a thing of beauty.
Great sequence from Jokic to end his first-half stint. This redirection to Bjelica ends in a bucket, and he then picks up his second block of the night at the rim on the other end. Serbia continues to roll up 49-26 at the half. pic.twitter.com/w3JipmPkkz
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) September 6, 2019
David Huertas (11 points) was the only Puerto Rican player who scored in double digits. His team trailed from start to finish and failed to be competitive against the powerful Serbian side.
Serbia next faces Spain Monday (8/9). Puerto Rico will play against Italy.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL