The beautiful story of Serbia continues. Well led by Bogdanovic, the Serbs easily disposed of Lithuania (87-68) on Tuesday to reach the semi-finals for the first time in its history. For its first international semi-final since 2017 (silver at the Euro), Serbia will face Slovenia or Canada on Friday, opposed on Wednesday.
The United States challenge Italy on Tuesday (2:40 p.m.) in the second quarter-final of the day. Winners of the Americans on Sunday (110-104), the Lithuanians were overwhelmed by the Serbian collective, who entertained a Mall of Asia Arena only half full.
Penetrations, passes inside or to shift from long distance: Serbia, although deprived before the competition of its two centerpieces, the leader Vasilije Micic (Oklahoma City) and the pivot Nikola Jokic (NBA champion with Denver), developed the entire range of his basketball school.
A game based on a serious defense and sublimated by Bogdanovic, whose winning shot shortly after the quarter of an hour of play created a first gap (41-33, 17th).
The Baltics were definitely stunned after a 7-0 conceded at the start of the third quarter (62-48, 35th), before Filip Petrusev, with two arrows released from long distance, gave the score the appearance of a correction (82 -57, 34th).
The future interior of Philadelphia finished with 100% success at three points (3/3 for 17 pts, plus 6 rebounds) while Bogdanovic (Atlanta) finished top scorer (21 pts on 9/13 on shots and 3 assists).
