Kljajic's heroics provide high of Montenegro roller-coaster ride OT victory

ROSARIO/SANTA FE (FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018) - Montenegro survived a roller-coaster of emotions in a 77-67 overtime victory against Egypt to secure second place in Group C of the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018 - thanks in large part to some big-time heroics by Jovan Kljajic.

The Montenegro captain had struggled all day with just one made field goal before nailing a three-pointer with 1.5 seconds left to force the first overtime session of the tournament. Kljajic took over in the extra frame with seven of his 15 points - including a sequence in which he scored a layup, stole a ball and converted a layup and bonus free throw and then blocked an Egyptian shot.

"I knew that I was bad all game but you just need to keep your head up and continue working to make your team better," said Kljajic, who collected 15 points - on 4-of-14 shooting - eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks.

About his captain, Montenegro guard Stefan Vlahovic said: "He had a problem in his head but he really made an important shot, and I am really proud of him."

Montenegro gave up just four points in the first quarter and had an 11 point lead in the second quarter. But Egypt fought right back and built up a 12-point lead with less than six minutes in the game.

Vlahovic, Marko Kljajevic, Bojan Tomasevic and then Kljajic all hit three-pointers in the final 3:15 minutes of regulation as Montenegro charged back. 

"It was incredible. It proves that in this sport you can never give up," Kljajic said. "After this we have more confidence, a lot more confidence."

FIBA