SRB - Ivkovic hails Serbia after Istanbul Cup win

BELGRADE (FIBA World Championship) - Serbia coach Dusan Ivkovic hailed the efforts of his young team - and singled out captain Nenad Krstic - after watching them beat New Zealand, Iran and Turkey this weekend to lift the Istanbul Cup.

Ivkovic's team continued their preparations for the FIBA World Championship in impressive style as they swept through the tournament.

Krstic, who joined the team's camp late after coming over from the United States, had 12 points and six rebounds in the win over Iran before coming up with 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the 83-70 victory over Turkey, prompting Ivkovic to call him "the true MVP".

"I think we deserved to win this tournament, despite the fact these were our first games since gathering together a month ago," Ivkovic said.

"We've played at a high level and have shown the capabilities of this young team."

Ivkovic was particularly happy with his team's shooting against the hosts.

"In the first half we made more than 70% of our shots, which is very impressive," Ivkovic said. "I knew the percentage would drop in the seocnd half, it must be like that, especially when the Turks started to press. But even so we didn't lose control despite losing the third quarter by eight points. We came back strong to earn the victory."

Ivkovic now hopes the tournament win will raise the confidence of his players as they prepare to face Argentina, Australia, Germany, Angola and Jordan in Group A of the FIBA World Championship.

"I really hope these successes in Turkey will have a positive effect on our squad," he said. "Not just in their self-confidence, but in training too.

"I want to congratulate them for what they've done in Istanbul, and especially our captain Krstic. He missed a huge part of training camp, but played extremely well and was our true MVP in this tournament."

Center Kosta Perovic said it was a pleasure to play on such a well-functioning team.

"Atlhough the game against Turkey was only our third during the preparations for the World Championship, I'm really thrilled with the way we won it," he said.
"I want to congratulate all my team-mates, as we've shown great character, particularly when Turkey came back at us.

"I was honoured to be part of a team that played basketball like we did in this game. However, I'm very much aware that this is only the beginning."

FIBA

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