BRA - Splitter injury scare for Brazil at Stankovic Cup

NANJING (FIBA World Championship/Stankovic Cup) – Brazil had a scary moment in their 76-75 defeat to Germany on Saturday when a blow to the face briefly knocked out Tiago Splitter.

The 2.10m center was eventually helped to his feet and doctors, after looking at the Tau Ceramica star, were confident he would be okay.

Team doctor Carlos Andreoli said: "He suffered a trauma to his head.

"He fainted for some seconds but he recovered consciousness immediately. We did some medical exams, but he is very well now. There are no problems."

The Brazilians, however, wasted 25 points and 10 rebounds from Anderson Varejao.

"We made some big mistakes during the game, but it is normal in the pre-season," he said. We were losing for almost the entire game. We lost the game just because of some details, but we are on the right track."

Brazil coach Lula Ferreira said his main concern is the team’s defense.

"In the first half, we did not have good defense and we could not approach our attacking power," he said.

"After half-time, we improved our defense. We recovered 20 balls but we failed in attack.

"We need to improve in rebounding, especially on defense."

"But these games help us to arrive Japan in better form."

Brazil are in Group C at the FIBA World Championship, which tips off on August 19, and will take on Lithuania, Australia, Greece, Turkey and Qatar.

The South Americans will face hosts China on Sunday needing a victory if they want to play for the Stankovic Cup bronze medal game.

Germany, meanwhile, will play for the gold.

By PA Sport
Exclusively for FIBA