Serbia to meet Italy in quarters after downing Hungary

ISTANBUL (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - Serbia have booked a Quarter-Final with Italy after a 86-78 victory over Hungary in the Round of 16. 

Serbia made the early running before Hungary fought back nearing half-time and the second-half was a near mirror image. Hungary got within 7 points early in the fourth but Serbia steadied, with their dominance on the inside too much for Hungary to handle. 

Turning point: Hungary made a comeback bid in the last quarter getting the margin to within 7 points with 8 minutes left after hitting consecutive threes. However, a pretty penetration and dish by Stefan Jovic to Milan Macvan steadied things for Serbia before Boban Marjanovic scored four quick points to snuff out Hungary's challenge. 

Stats-don't-lie: Serbia's size was too much for Hungary and that showed on the glass with their 37-23 domination in rebounds. 

Game hero: Ognjen Kuzmic was a handful for Hungary all game and finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds in a commanding performance. 

They said: "I am very proud of my team. We prepared ourselves really good for the game. Physically, I'm not so happy with how the bench guys reacted and [what they] brought to the game. Nonetheless, we had the game in our hands. We are in the Quarter-Finals and play a tough opponent (Italy). In my opinion they are candidates for a medal and we have to be ready." - Serbia coach Aleksandar Djordjevic talking about his side's win over Hungary and the Quarter-Final clash against Italy.

Highlights 

FIBA