SLO - Slovenians off and running with Adecco Cup success

LJUBLJANA (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Slovenia have hit the ground running in their preparations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup with three friendly wins on home soil.

As hosts of the Adecco Cup, Jure Zdovc's team rolled to a 95-68 victory over Georgia.

They were also convincing winners against Canada, 92-80, and Ukraine, 64-51.

"On defense, I have to be happy," the coach said.

"And with the Adecco Cup, I have to be happy overall because I have seen and learned quite a few things.

"We certainly have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks.

"Some things are good but in our game there is too much of a lack of concentration.

"I think the players in these three game understand what we require of them.

"They simply have to listen to the coaches because every time we understood each other, they executed better on the court and it ended well."

One of the players who may have helped his chances of making the World Cup squad was Klemen Prepelic.

The 21-year-old guard had 20 points in the win over Ukraine.

The youngster said there was much to like about the victory.

"We limited our opponents to less than 60 points, which is our goal," he said.

"With a good defense, we can then counter-attack and get some easy shots."

Slovenia are now traveling to China to take part in the Stankovic Cup.

At the World Cup, which tips off 30 August, Slovenia will play in Group D, in Gran Canaria, against Lithuania, Angola, Mexico, Australia and Korea.

FIBA