Serbia find extra gear against Puerto Rico

BELGRADE (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) – Hosts Serbia pulled away from Puerto Rico late in the first half of a clash that had featured 10 lead changes to pick an 87-81 win in the opening game for both teams at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.

Turning Point: Serbia trailed 31-30 midway through the second quarter but forced Puerto Rico to go scoreless in the five minutes leading to the interval. After a Nikola Kalinic trey put the hosts ahead 33-31, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nikola Jokic sparked an 8-0 run within 95 seconds to send Serbia to the locker rooms with a double-digit lead.

Stats Don't Lie: Serbia assumed control by punishing severely Puerto Rico's 21 turnovers and scored 28 points off them. Puerto Rico started on 3-of-5 from downtown but only made five of their next 21 three-point attempts.

Game Hero: In his debut with the senior national team, Jokic helped Serbia balance the battle on the glass and energised the hosts during the decisive stretch. The 21-year-old center finished with 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists.

The Bottom Line: Serbia are playing Angola on Wednesday and, should they win, they will lock up top spot in Group A. Puerto Rico take on the African team on Tuesday and only a victory would keep them in the race for the semi-finals.

FIBA