HERAKLION (2015 FIBA U19 World Championship) - Serbia were given all they could handle by Dominican Republic but ended up grabbing an 82-77 victory to start their 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship campaign. The Dominicans, who got 26 points from Andres Feliz, were playing their first game at the U19 Worlds since 1983.

Turning Point: Leading 77-76, Stefan Lazarevic missed two free throws for Serbia but the Europeans kept possession and Milos Glisic converted two foul shots before Lazarevic stole the ball from Jhery Matos and Stefan Peno made two free-throws for an 81-76 lead. 

Stats Don't Lie: Dominican Republic shot 38 percent from the field while Serbia hit 44 percent. Serbia also received 48 points off their bench while Dominican Republic got just 13.

Game Hero: Ilija Dokovic nailed three three-pointers and scored 12 points to go with eight assists and six rebounds for Serbia. 

The Bottom Line: Serbia can chalk up the game as first game jitters and now look forward to building upon the victory. Dominican Republic are of course disappointed about losing but now know they can play with the best in the world. 

FIBA