Bogdanovic-led Serbia destroy Angola in World Cup opener

FOSHAN (China) - Inspired by Bogdan Bognanovic, Serbia trounced Angola 105-59 in the opener of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 on Saturday in Foshan to take a commanding Group D lead.

The Sacramento Kings guard was a one-man show in front of a 14,000 plus crowd, converting eight of his field-goal attempts to finish with a game-high 24 points. Nikola Jokic added 14 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds off the bench, Nikola Milutinov came up with 14 points, and Boban Marjanovic contributed a double-double 12 points and 10 rebounds

Meanwhile Carlos Morais and Leonel Paulo - the only Angolans to score in double digits combined for 25 points with former FIBA AfroBasket MVP Morais hitting three of his six three-pointer attempts to finish with a team-high 15 points.

Turning Point: Although the eleven-time African champions Angola trailed just by nine (29-20) at the end of the opening quarter and seemed prepared to give Serbia a hard time, their resilience evaporated midway the second quarter as Serbia's suffocating defense derailed the Angolans' attempt to stay in the contest.  

TCL Player of the Game: The star of the show, Bogdanovic, did a bit of everything for the Serbs. As well as inspiring Serbia's offense, the 1.98m (6ft 6in) guard contributed defensively. In the process, he established his FIBA Basketball World Cup personal best with 24 points. 

Stats Don't Lie: The opening quarter looked more like a three-point contest, with both teams exchanging uncontested three-points. However, Serbia's six three-pointers in seven attempts proved too much for the Angolans as they finished with 13 three-pointers against Angola's eight. 

Bigger, heavier and taller, Serbia outrebounded Angola 41-19 with 2.21m center (7ft 3in ) Marjanovic - the tallest player in the tournament - finishing with ten boards.

Another huge difference between the two sides lied on the ball movement with Serbia dishing out a massive 32 assists against Angola's seven.  

They said: We played a great game from the beginning till the end. We were strong. Mentally, we were ready both ways - offensively and defensively. This is why we grabbed this easy win." - Serbia center Nikola Milutinov 

"We do accept." (when asked if the team accepts being called title favorites).

"Everyone talks about the first game, about a little bit of pressure, but in this one we really had a great game, a great opener - defensively and offensively. We controlled the boards. We had a lot of assists. We had some good, open shots. We had some players who shot well, and that gives us courage in our upcoming games.

Sasha Djordjevic (Serbia)

"Teamwork is our trademark all these years. We like to share the ball. We like to pass. We have guys who are not selfish, and this is great for a coach. I'm proud when I see them display that trademark of Serbian basketball," head coach of Serbia.

Bottom Line: It was the first game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, and Serbia showed how things have to be done. Serbia have never hidden their intentions in the tournament, and on Saturday they reiterated why they are legitimate title contenders. The 46-point differential brings back memories of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2010 encounter where Serbia outscored Angola 94-44, which remains as their largest win in the history of the competition.

FIBA