FIBA – Turkey hold off Puerto Rico to win Group C

ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) – Turkey recovered from a slow start and survived a nervous finish to squeeze past Puerto Rico 79-77 and ensure they finish as Group C winners in Ankara.

The host nation trailed 53-45 late in the third period but went on a 26-8 scoring run to go in front 71-61 lead. The Puerto Ricans went through a scoring drought but then rode Angel Vassallo’s hot shooting late on to get within 78-77 before Kerem Tunceri made one free-throw and Vassallo could not hit a desperation shot at the buzzer.

With the win, Turkey improved to 4-0 and are assured of winning their pool as they hold the tiebreak over Greece and Russia. Puerto Rico still are in with a chance of going through to the next round and a win over the Ivory Coast would put them in a very strong position to move on to Istanbul.

Group A (Kayseri)
Nenad Krstic returned to Serbia’s line-up and helped them to a 94-79 win over Australia to improve to 3-1. Australia fought back late on and got within 81-78 behind the fine play of Matt Nielsen and Brad Newley but five quick points by Milos Teodosic saw the Serbs regain the momentum and close out the game.

Angola made history by beating Germany for the first time ever, edging them 92-88 after overtime. Olimpio Cipriano – who had 22 of his game-high 30 points after the break – hit two free-throws late in regulation to force the extra session and the Angolans used of some good defense to get their transition offense going before sealing the result from the foul line courtesy of Olimpiano and Felizardo Ambrosa, They improved to 2-2 and has them closing in on a place in the second round.

Jordan pushed Argentina deep in their trenches as Sergio Hernandez’s men needed a strong fourth quarter to secure an 88-79 that saw them improve to 4-0. The Argentinians jumped to a 35-19 first quarter lead but Jordan never relented and got within 61-55 to start the final period. Luis Scola – who finished with 30 points – and Carlos Delfino scored timely baskets down the stretch to secure the win.

Group B (Istanbul)
The USA beat Iran 88-51 to clinch first place in Group B. Kevin Durant put his team in front for good midway through the first quarter, but they didn’t build a sizeable lead until the second half as the Iranians were within 42-28 at the break. Rising star Arsalan Kazemi kept his team close with nine points before halftime.

Slovenia held off a furious charge by Brazil and prevailed 80-77. The Brazilians, who had Anderson Varajeo in the line-up for the first time in the tournament, trailed 70-53 to start the final quarter, rallied back thanks to Marcelo Machado but Jaka Lakovic buried consecutive three-pointers to deny them a memorable come-from-behind victory.

Marko Popovic knocked down three three-pointers as part of a 13-2 first quarter run that allowed Croatia to blow their game against Tunisia wide open and roll to an 84-64 win. The result saw Josip Vrankovic’s side improve to 2-2 while the Tunisians remain winless (0-4).

Group C (Ankara)
Russia defeated China 89-80 to improve to 3-1 and secure their place in the second round of the 2010 FIBA World Championship. Trailing 75-73 after Sun Yue hit a pair of free-throws, David Blatt’s men then went on a 14-0 run and accounted for 16 of the last 21 points overall and dealt a real blow to China’s chances of making it through to Istanbul.

Greece bounced back from their loss against rivals and tournament hosts Turkey with a convincing 97-60 defeat of Ivory Coast. The Ivorians scored the game’s first seven points but the Greeks were on top 20-14 by the end of the first quarter and a 27-5 scoring advantage in the second period essentially put the game out of reach for Randoald Dessarzin’s side.

Group D (Izmir)
Lithuania outscored France 33-12 over the second and third quarters to register a 69-55 win that saw them stay undefeated (4-0) and claim top honours in Group D. France led 24-11 after the opening period but the Lithuanians came back in spectacular fashion thanks to the firepower of Jonas Maciulus (19 points) and Linas Kleiza (15) to outscore their opponents 58-31 the rest of the way.

Spain overcame a slow start to crush Lebanon 91-57 and safeguard their passage in the knockout stages. Jackson Vroman had 12 points and six rebounds as part of an early run that saw the Lebanese lead 22-21, but he picked up his fourth foul with under five minutes left in the second period and Spain made the most of it to go on a 13-2 run for a 43-32 lead at the break. The reigning world champions gradually pulled away in the second half behind the strong play of Marc Gasol and Jorge Garbajosa.

New Zealand won their second game in a row by beating Canada 71-61 to vastly improve their chances of moving into the second round. Kirk Penney had 18 points and Casey Frank added 14 for the Tall Blacks who held off several rallies to hand the Canadians their fourth defeat in as many games.

FIBA