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Russia keep EuroBasket playoff hopes alive
Published: 12 September, 2009, 10:23
Russia's Sergey Bykov (with the ball) (Image from www.eurobasket2009.org)
TAGS: Sport, Basketball
Defending champions Russia have continued their campaign at EuroBasket 2009 with a narrow victory over Croatia.
David Blatt's men made a good start to the second group stage, as they beat Croatia 62-59.
In a game that was very close through all four quarters, the reigning European champions managed to do just enough over the final ten minutes to earn a three-point win that boosts their bid to qualify for the quarter-finals.
The hero of the day in the Russian team was Vitaly Fridzon, who held his nerve down the stretch, converting four free-throws in the final seconds.
Croatia had a chance to pull the game into overtime, but Davor Kus's desperation three was just off target at the buzzer. 62-59 for Russia was the result.
But Russia’s coach David Blatt is far from euphoric, understanding his team has to improve their game.
"Obviously this was a defensive game and we were just a little better defending the post than they were. They [Croatia] are a better team than we are, but we were a little bit better today," hw told the tournament's official website.
Russia next play an undefeated Greece on Sunday.
09.09.2009, 13:03
Germany delivers first EuroBasket blow for RussiaTeam Russia has suffered their first loss at EuroBasket 2009, going down at the hands of Group B rivals Germany, despite cutting a 19-point deficit to one point during the game. |
14.09.2009, 09:10
Russian EuroBasket hopes rise after beating GreeceRussia has made a giant step towards the EuroBasket 2009 quarter-finals after beating Greece 68-65 in the Qualifying Round Group E. |
