Serbia grew to become the primary staff to achieve the Basketball World Cup semi-finals after beating Lithuania 87-68 because the knockout section acquired underway on Tuesday in Manila.
Bogdan Bogdanovic had 21 factors for Serbia, who will play both Canada or Slovenia within the semi-finals on Friday.
Lithuania went into the sport because the event’s solely unbeaten staff after downing the US of their earlier outing.
However Serbia took management within the second quarter, outscoring Lithuania 25-13 to open up a lead that they by no means gave again.
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Atlanta Hawks taking pictures guard Bogdanovic had 18 factors within the first half alone for Serbia.
Bogdanovic completed as his staff’s prime scorer, adopted by Filip Petrusev with 17 factors and Stefan Jovic with 11.
Tadas Sedekerskis was Lithuania’s prime scorer with 14 factors, adopted by Rokas Jokubaitis with 13.
Lithuania couldn’t repeat the robust begin they made in opposition to the US, the place they nailed their first 9 three-point makes an attempt earlier than occurring to assert a 110-104 win.
Serbia have been enjoying with out energy ahead Borisa Simanic, who underwent surgical procedure to take away a kidney on Sunday after being injured earlier within the event.
Simanic was hit by a South Sudan participant’s elbow throughout a pool recreation on August 30. Nikola Jokic, who led the Denver Nuggets to final season’s NBA title and was named MVP of the Finals, shouldn’t be showing for Serbia on the World Cup as he rests forward of the brand new season.