Serbia celebrates after clinching a spot within the Fiba World Cup semifinals at Mall of Asia Enviornment. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
MANILA, Philippines—Serbia obtained a well timed shot within the arm from recuperating ahead Borisa Simanic hours earlier than its Fiba World Cup quarterfinal showdown with Lithuania on Tuesday.
Simanic remains to be within the hospital the place he underwent two operations and had one in every of his kidneys eliminated after taking an inadvertent elbow from South Sudan’s Nuni Omot within the group part final week however that didn’t cease him from serving to Serbia transfer on to the semifinals.
“He (Borisa) texted us this morning and mentioned, ‘guys, I’m alright. After two surgical procedures, I’m alright, I’m wholesome, simply get the win, don’t take into consideration me and let’s win tonight,’” mentioned Serbian star Bogdan Bogdanovic following an 87-68 rout of Lithuania at Mall of Asia Enviornment.
“It was an enormous increase and large vitality for us so because of Borisa, this sport is for him.”
Simanic’s message appeared to have resonated extra with Bogdanovic specifically.
Bogdanovic admitted that he was nervous heading into the sport towards the Lithuanians.
Serbia’s Bogdan Bogdanovic. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
“I used to be particularly nervous. [When] I used to be one way or the other in my younger age, I used to be at all times dropping towards Lithuania and I used to be so nervous.”
“Then I noticed the message from Borisa within the morning after the lengthy assembly… For him simply to consider us after all the things that occurred to him. He united us and that’s a tremendous, wonderful man, and that is for him as properly.”
Bogdanovic ended up scoring a game-high 21 factors to associate with 4 rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Buoyed by Simanic, the Serbians continued their scorching capturing, making 55 % of their makes an attempt towards a formidable Lithuania aspect that was coming off a 110-104 shocker towards World Cup favourite Workforce USA two nights in the past.
Serbia faces both Canada or Slovenia within the semifinals.
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