Balanced Serbia take care of business in rout of China

MANILA (Philippines) - Serbia avoided any slip-ups in their start to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 with a comprehensive 105-63 victory over China in their Group B opener.

Serbia improved to 2-0 all-time against the Chinese following their 94-60 win in the Group Stage of the 2016 FIBA Olympic Men's Basketball Tournament. The win in the Manila Araneta Coliseum was bittersweet for China coach Aleksandar Djordjevic, who not only guided the Serbian national team to major success in the past but he also celebrated his 56th birthday.

 

Turning Point: The game was decided already in the first half. Serbia were up 16-14 and finished the final 3 minutes of the first quarter with the last 9 points for a 25-14 advantage. The Europeans tacked on a 9-2 spurt in the second quarter and the cushion grew to 40-23 and Serbia never looked back.

TCL Player of the Game: Nine players scored at least 7 points for Serbia but Nikola Milutinov stood out as he picked up 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting and 5-of-5 free throws. He also chipped in 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals in 20 minutes of action.

 

Stats Don't Lie: Serbia shot 58 percent from the floor including a blistering 68 percent on two-pointers while knocking down 13 three-pointers and dishing out 30 assists. The Serbs also held China to just 38 percent shooting, including 28 percent from long range.

Bottom Line: Serbia took care of business in the opener and next up they take on Puerto Rico on Monday, August 28 in a battle that could decide first place in the group. China still have everything to play for despite the loss but they must win their second game versus South Sudan earlier in the day on Monday for chance to reach the Second Round. 

They Said: "For me it was very important to win this game. And not just win the game but also look at special assignments we gave before the game. One on one defense. Other team tactics. All of this is important. We are a new team and we didn't have enough time and that is the reason why we used this game to improve our tactics. But most important thing for me was the individual responsibilities, especially on defense." - Serbia coach Svetislav Pesic

"We feel great after this victory. We played against China a couple of days ago and we know exactly how they play. When you start a tournament and play how you want, then everything is easier. This is the way we want to play: with good energy, with a lot of transition points, this is how we want to play. We did a good job today." - Serbia guard Stefan Jovic

"Every first game is difficult but we came out ready and focused. We were there from the first minute defensively. And that is why I am very happy. We were focused and serious. We were there. We didn’t let up even when we were up by 30-40, we kept playing. That is also how you show respect to yourself and the team you are playing against." - Serbia guard Marko Guduric

"This was a great game for Serbia. All of them are ready and at an exceptional level and they showed their game. My guys were fighting. We opened the game really well. We prepared ourselves, I believe well. When the things don't go well we have the tendency to put our shoulders down and not respond right away. Serbia was just putting pressure, pressure, pressure all the time and had a game with so many facilitators and ball-handlers. It was an easy game for them. For us, our World Cup starts now. " - China coach Aleksandar Djordjevic

"Today we suffered a lot of pressure from the opponent. This is our very first game. We struggled at both ends but we will come back and be better." - China center Zhelin Wang

Press Conference:

 

FiBA