2-0. Serbia's Bogdan Bogdanovic dribbles the ball as he drives to the basket during the match against Puerto Rico in the FIBA Basketball World Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Monday (Aug. 28, 2023). Serbia won, 94-77, and will go for a three-game sweep of Group B against South Sudan on Aug. 30. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)
MANILA – Serbia continued to exert its might in the FIBA World Cup, dealing Puerto Rico a 94-77 beating on Monday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Serbia dominated in the first half, taking a 57-27 lead against sloppy Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico somehow made things interesting in the second half, outscoring Serbia, 31-18, in the third quarter to cut the lead down to 17, 75-58, entering the fourth.
Puerto Rico even came to within 10, 71-81, midway through the fourth period, but a 13-2 Serbia run put an end to the upset bid.
Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nikola Jovic had 17 points for Serbia, which will eye a sweep Group B play against South Sudan on Wednesday.
Isaiah Pineiro led Puerto Rico, which fell to 1-1, with 14 points, one assist and one steal.
Meanwhile, the United States of America (USA) made quick work of Greece en route to a 109-81 win at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After another slow start, Team USA got into the groove late in the first quarter and eventually pulled away for good.
Austin Reaves became the first Team USA player to score 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in the FIBA World Cup since 2010.
Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards each added 13 points for Team USA, which moved up to 2-0 in Group C.
Georgios Papagiannis tallied 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block for Greece (1-1). (PNA)
