Russia overcome F.Y.R. of Macedonia 72 – 68 to clinch the third spot in 2011 FIBA EuroBasket: Part 2
The F.Y.R. of Macedonia knew they were still in the game and came out with renewed vigour after the break. They put up a very spirited fight against their more illustrious opponents in the third quarter and took the game to the
Russians, forcing them into retreat.
Macedonia outscored Russia in the third period and kept plugging away at the lead. Russia kept them behind for most of the quarter though but right at the death Macedonia levelled the scores at 50-50 with just seconds left on the
clock.
Russia got 2 points in before the end though to finish the third period at 52 – 50.
The game was finely poised entering the last quarter and Macedonia seemed set to carry the previous momentum and upset Russia. However they were slow at the start and two huge three-pointers from Andrei Kirilenko dented the confidence
of Macedonia.
The quarter was still very competitive but Russia looked assured in their lead until the last minute when a Samardziski free-throw levelled the scores at 68 – 68 with just 48 seconds left in the game. Russia got the go ahead bucket
though and Macedonia missed their next shot. The Russians were this able to see out the game at 72 – 68 and clinched third place in the tournament with the win.
Russia were better from the field and the scoring was evenly spread out, as opposed to Macedonia where the burden largely fell on a couple of players. The Russians also recorded a greater number of assists but their superiority
really showed on the boards. Russia out-rebounded Macedonia 43 to 25, a difference of almost 20.
Overall it was a good win for the Russians and star man Andrei Kirilenko was pleased with the third spot finish.
“We had a lot of will and I'm happy that at the end of the game, we were patient. We won 10 of our 11 games and I'm very happy that we ended up with a medal.”
Andrei also praise F.Y.R. of Macedonia for their spirited display after the game.
FYR of Macedonia Head Coach Marin Dokuzovski was happy with the performance of his underdog team who had come closer to winning a medal than anyone would have predicted at the start of the EuroBasket.
"Today we came very close to our dream. We dreamed about it during the whole tournament. Besides our hope and the fact that we wanted it so badly, Russia is one of the greatest teams in the world. I think one of the reasons why
Russia won today was offensive rebounds. We also received 30 points from second chances. I want to congratulate Russia. “
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