Full-strength Serbia pound Aussies at FIBA Worlds
Serbia welcomed back starting centre Nenad Kristic as they walloped Australia 94-79 in the 2010 FIBA World Championships in Turkey.
The Oklahoma City Thunder big man played his first game of the tournament after serving a three-game suspension for his involvement in a brawl during a tune-up game against Greece last month.
Inspired by their top player's return, Serbia raced to a 7-0 start at the Kayseri Arena. They led 14-7 before the Australians made a late surge to come within 16-12 after the first quarter. Milos Teodosic and Novica Velickovic combined for 14 points to lead the Serbians.
Dusan Ivkovic's wards continued their impressive performance in the second period. The Serbians hit several outside shots to take a 43-37 half-time lead. Marko Keselj and Kristic were the key players for Serbia, combining for 14 points. Adam Gibson led the Australians with eight points.
The Serbians maintained their composure after the break. Led by their reserves, the Europeans executed their offensive plays well and capitalised on their opponents' turnovers. Serbia led 69-61 after three quarters.
The fourth period saw a more aggressive Australian squad to the delight of head coach Brett Brown. A Brad Newley basket followed by a Matt Nielsen trey allowed the Boomers to come within 78-81 with 2:07 remaining in the game. But Teodosic responded with a trey and added two more free throws moments later to increase Serbia's advantage to 86-78. Velickovic sank three more free throws to put the game beyond Australia's reach.
Teodosic led the Serbians with 19 points while Velickovic had 18 points and nine rebounds. Kristic also made his presence felt with a double-double performance of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Keselj and Dusko Savanovic were also key contributors off the bench, scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively. Newley was the top performer for the Australians with 13 points and four rebounds. Patrick Mills added 12 points while Nielsen and Alex Maric contributed 10 each.
Serbia, who improved to 3-1, will take on Argentina in their final Group A assignment tomorrow. The Serbians began the tournament with a 94-44 demolition of Angola. They lost to Germany, 81-82, in double overtime in their second game before bouncing back with a 112-69 annihilation of Jordan on Monday. Australia will close out the group stage against African champions Angola. The Australians edged Jordan, 76-75, in their opening game but lost to Argentina, 72-74, in their second outing. The Boomers crushed Germany, 78-43, on Monday.
Tags: