Serbia delivered a statement in front of a packed Belgrade Arena, holding off France (90-87) in a thrilling battle between two of Europe’s strongest basketball nations.
Playing their home grounds, Serbia started aggressively, taking a 22-19 lead after the first quarter. France briefly moved ahead in the second, but team Serbia stayed composed; entering the halftime break with a narrow advantage.
Serbia owned the third quarter.
Jokić and Marko Gudurić sparked a decisive run, pushing the hosts ahead 60-50. Then Milutinov continued to punish France inside, with a defense that kept France’s dangerous front-court under control. Serbia entered the final quarter leading 72-62, which is when France made their final big push.
Serbia led 86-74 with just over five minutes remaining, while the motivated guest squad refused to fold. Fournier, Strazel and Ayayi helped cut the deficit to 3 points, turning the final minutes into a tense battle.
With only 13.5 seconds left, team Serbia was still in the lead (88-86.) After a series of free throws, France had one final possession with a chance to tie the game. That is when Avramović stood out, blocking Francisco’s shot at the buzzer, sending the hot Arena into a definite celebration.
Captain Nikola Jokić led Serbia with 20 points, 9 rebs and 8 assists, while namesake Milutinov added 15 points. Aleksa Avramović finished with 13, showing his defense skills despite the facemask protecting his recently intervened nose.
Team Serbia earned a memorable win.
Both the playing stars as well as the coach point out the importance of the team in Belgrade. Serbia competed physically, handled France’s size, responding every time they threatened to take over.
For coach Dušan Alimpijević, the box-score was less important than the lessons it brought. While the entire squad remains happy, they already turn their attention towards the next matches. Most importantly, the qualifier Windows.
Tonight’s powerful reminder of Serbia’s quality was hailed by the star-studded stands, including the likes of the legendary coach Svetislav Pešić and first captain Bogdan Bogdanović; proving that this sporting family truly is forever.
France will have its chance to respond August 23 in Orleans, while the World Cup windows continue both in Belgrade and away.
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