After the disappointment of Wednesday night’s quarter final loss, the Dragic brothers had huge games for Slovenia to beat Serbia and book their tickets to Spain next year.
Listen to the good Vibrations!
Do you hear the crazy Game?
Do you smell the scent of Glory?
Do you feel the hug of fame?
Slovenia booked their place in the 2014 FIBA World Cup with a comprehensive 92-74 victory over Serbia in Ljubljana on Thursday. The classification round will decide which of the four losing quarter finalists won’t make it to the World Cup next year. From the start Slovenia decided they weren’t going to wait around for the win or go home game. A 30-16 opening quarter set the tone and it was the Dragic brothers who drove the offence.
Come and feel Slovenian Fire,
feel the passion of our Song!
We enjoy the same Desire,
don’t think twice, just sing along!
Goran Dragic of the Phoenix Suns scored 15 points, collected 4 boards, and dished a game-high 5 assists. Not to be outdone, Zoran Dragic led the game in scoring and rebound with 23 and 9 to go with his 4 assists. Barely 16 hours after their quarter final loss to France, the home side roared out the gate. By half time the lead had grown to 53-35. Much like the day before, Serbia had been shocked by the hot start of their opponents and were struggling just to stay competitive at the break.
I feel Power in my Soul.
My Heart beats for Basketball.
Hear the proud Slovenian call.
Feel the heartbeat of us all.
Whatever hopes of a comeback Serbia held were quickly dashed. The Serbs delivered their most productive quarter of offence but Slovenia were canny enough to keep the margin wide. Dusan Ivkovic’s charges needed a big run to give the hosts doubts but Jaka Blazic, with 15 points and 5 rebounds, and Mirza Begic, with 10 points and 6 boards, meant Serbia had more than Goran and Zoran to worry about. There was only one way this was going.
We’re united in our Passion!
We’re united in the Pride!
We’re united in one Colour!
Join us on the winning side!
So it wasn’t the medal Slovenia wanted but securing a place in Spain next year is a solid consolation prize. Serbia, who had impressed greatly before the knockout stages, now need to regroup. They have one more game, one final shot, at making it to Spain. With an ever-crowded field seeking wild cards, Ivkovic will want to take care of business and not leave anything to chance. Twice in two days his young side has suffered. A third straight defeat would mean more than just a bad end to this tournament.
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