Serbia looking at classification round as 'must-win' games

HERAKLION (2015 FIBA U19 World Championship) - Serbia enter the Classification 9-16 round of the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship looking to play the games like they are showdowns for first place. 

The Serbs were disappointed about having to prepare for the fight for ninth place after coming to Heraklion thinking they could challenge for podium spot. But now the Europeans have to put behind them their 69-56 loss to Australia in the Round of 16 as they next take on Iran. 

"It was very disappointing, number one for me because I was out a month with a broken hand and was able to make it back. And it was for nothing. We wanted to fight for the podium, and ninth place is very disappointing," said Serbian guard Stefan Lazarevic.

These three games are games we must win. - Lazarevic

The Serbian captain said the team will take the final three games very seriously.

"We are preparing for this like we are playing for first place. That's the mood," he said.

Lazarevic said not having the full team together for any significant time during the preparations played a role in Serbia's losing to Australia, adding: "It was not enough time to make a team and build the chemistry."

He also said the team failed to implement the game plan devised by Serbian coach Aleksandar Bucan. 

FIBA