Russia’s basketball team progress to European quarter-finals
Published: 16 September, 2009, 11:19
Russia's Anton Ponkrashov (with the ball) (Image from eurobasket2009.org)
TAGS: Sport, Basketball
Defending champions Russia have made it to the quarterfinals of EuroBasket after beating Macedonia 71-69 in a must-win game on Tuesday.
Center Timofey Mozgov led David Blatt’s men forward on the night, collecting 25 points and 11 rebounds.
The score was equal as the teams entered the final quarter, and the fate of the tight encounter was decided on the last minute.
At 66-63, the Russians forced their rivals into a 24 second violation at turnover with 56 seconds to go. Anton Ponkrashov then made two foul shots for a five-point lead, which Macedonia failed to liquidate.
“We needed to look really far down deep in ourselves to win that ball game because it was looking pretty bleak. But in the end, we found it. And I am proud of what we have done and am looking forward to next stage,” said David Blatt, Russia’s coach, to the tournament’s official website.
France kept a 100% record in the tournament by beating Greece 71-69. The score allowed Russia to remain in second place in Group E.
David Blatt’s men will now face the third team from Group F. Their opposition will be known after Wednesday’s games.
Greece are third, while Croatia took fourth spot after beating Germany 70-68.
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