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Sports / Basketball
Russia beats Croatia, Greece?cruises past?Portugal
(AP)
Updated: 2007-09-12 05:21
MADRID, Spain - Andrei Kirilenko scored 20 points Tuesday to lead Russia
over Croatia 83-70 at the European Basketball Championship.
Russia's Andrei Kirilenko (L) and Croatia's Mario Kasun go for a rebound
during their second round game at the European Basketball Championships
in Madrid September 11, 2007. [Reuters]
The Russians, who led by only four points after three quarters, stretched
their lead to nine early in the fourth after a 3-pointer from Zakhar
Pashutin and a layup by Kirilenko.
Davor Kus scored 17 points to lead Croatia, which could have earned a
place in the quarterfinals with a win.
"We woke up and played a beautiful second half," Russia coach David Blatt
said. "It was one of our most consistent offensive games."
Defending champion Greece reached the quarterfinals by beating Portugal
85-67.
Dimosthenis Ntikoudis scored 17 points and pulled down nine rebounds as
the Greeks dominated the post, outscoring their opponents 38-18 from
inside the foul lane while also converting 10-of-18 from the 3-point line.
"We knew it was a very dangerous game and that's why we played under the
(net)," forward Michail Kaziouzis said.
Joao Santos led Portugal with 17 points.
Later Tuesday, Israel faced world champion Spain needing a victory to
advance to the quarterfinals. A Spanish win would send Croatia to the
next round.
Russia's defense in the second half forced some erratic shooting and
several turnovers by Croatia, which played without injured guard Marko
Popovic.
"We lost our concentration, made many mistakes and conceded too many
fast-break points," Croatia coach Jasmin Repesa said. "These are strong
teams and if you lose your concentration against them, they will punish
you."
Led by center Mario Kasun, Croatia led 21-19 by the end of the opening
period, but repeatedly turned the ball over _ commited six of its 19 in
the second quarter _ to keep Russia close.
Kus hit a 3-pointer to give Croatia a 39-32 lead late in the half, but
Russia rallied and Kirilenko's flying dunk with seconds to play cut the
deficit to 42-41.
Russia jumped ahead 50-47 in the third, but Kasun put Croatia back in
front 54-53 before the Russians took control for good.
Greece guard Dimitris Diamantidis was 3-for-4 from behind the 3-point
line and finished with 13 points, while Vassilis Spanoulis added 10.
Greece, inspired by the presence of former great Nick Galis in the
stands, next will face the loser of Wednesday's game between Lithuania
and Slovenia.
"We are not afraid of anyone," Spanoulis said. "Greece has proved in the
past that (it) can come through in the most crucial games and to be great
you have to win big games."
Portugal led 17-16 after the first quarter, but the Greeks capitalized on
turnovers and moved ahead 45-34 by halftime.
"We've been a surprise and against Greece today we kept dreaming,"
Portugal forward Elvis Evora said. "We go home with our heads up, very
proud of ourselves."
The second round ends Wednesday with Germany playing Italy for the final
spot in the quarterfinals from Group F. Also, France faces Turkey.
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