MNE – Chalk up another win for Perovanovic & Co

KATOWICE (EuroBasket Women 2011) - Of all the evidence that Montenegro have provided this summer that they are a new powerhouse in European basketball, the most compelling was delivered on Friday night against France.

The defending champions, fresh off a rout of Spain, wanted to make a statement against Montenegro but lost 73-68.

For unbeaten Montenegro on Friday, Iva Perovanovic turned in another solid performance with a game-high 22 points.

Miodrag Baletic's squad is not a one-woman team, however.

Its strength is its overall team play, composure, tactics and ability to control the tempo against any opponent they play.

Even against the French, they executed well on offense, hitting 56% of their shots from the field.

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"We knew we were playing against the most complete team in this group,” said Baletic.

“France are especially strong inside and we tried to stop their inside game as well as not allowing them to have fast breaks.

“I congratulate my players because they faced a difficult game and they did well.

“France are really impressive and for that reason, as a coach I am very happy that we won."

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