Russia in need of response against resilient Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group E showdown

PERM (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Things could have been very different heading into Sunday’s showdown between Russia and Bosnia and Herzegovina after two exciting contests in Group E on Friday evening.

Bosnia's late rally helped them overcome Belgium for a 72-70 victory as they moved to 2-1, while Russia suffered heartbreak on the road in a 75-74 overtime loss to France which saw them drop to a 1-2 record.

Miralem Halilovic paid tribute to Bosnia's home support in Sarajevo for carrying them over the line against Belgium in a boost to their qualifying campaign.

"THE FANS DIDN'T GIVE UP ON US. THEY PUSHED US TO THE VICTORY AND I'M GRATEFUL FOR THEM AND THE GREAT ATMOSPHERE" HalilovicHalilovic

"We never gave up, the fans didn’t give up on us - they pushed us to the victory and I’m very grateful for them and the great atmosphere," he said. "It was a key victory for us. We expected a really tough game because Belgium played good games against France and Russia.

"Coach (Vujosevic) said that other players had to step up as we were missing players and I think we did it."

Russia on the other hand are left to rue spurned opportunities late on in Strasbourg as the chance to hand France a first loss went awry. Head coach Sergey Bazarevich remains upbeat about the efforts of his players and admits the large home crowd played its part in the key moments.

"Everyone is upset as everything looks like we gave up the win," he said. "We are pleased with the commitment of our players, especially those ones who were not in the team’s rotation previously. But it was a road game and it probably weighed in down the stretch."

Karasev added: "I still cannot understand how I managed to not score in the last play of the regulation. And we also missed a lot of open looks. Then, the whole overtime was like a seesaw - so it could end both ways.

"Anyway, this is a good result, to lose in France by a single point - and only in overtime. Now we are looking for a revenge on our home soil in July."

Before then, a chance to avenge November's 81-76 defeat against Bosnia with the short turnaround in this window allowing Russia to put Friday’s loss behind them.

Both teams have defended home court successfully so far in Group E with Dzanan Musa's 18 points helping Bosnia to the aforementioned five-point success in the previous meeting.

"It will be another day," Karsasev said. "Probably, we'll watch the video, we'll analyze yesterday's match. Or maybe we'll start preparing for Bosnia right away, so that the French game can be disconnected as soon as possible."

Victory on Sunday will be a huge boost for either side heading into the final window in June-July with France hosting Belgium in the other Group E game on Sunday.

Key matchup: Sergey Karasev will be desperate to bounce back from Friday’s disappointment and put his country on his back in a key encounter, while teen sensation Dzanan Musa will look to shine in front of a raucous atmosphere in Perm.

Key stats: Russia have the edge over Bosnia and Herzegovina in most categories so far with the main exception of rebounds having been beaten in the battle of the boards in all three games so far - ranking 30th out of the 32 European sides.

FIBA