MKD - The sweet taste of victory

ALYTUS (EuroBasket) - F.Y.R. of Macedonia made sure on Saturday this was going to be a year to remember.

Taking on rivals Greece, the Macedonians got 27 points from naturalized guard Bo McCalebb in a 72-58 triumph.

Leading 50-49, Marin Dokuzovski's team outscored the Greeks 22-9 over the final 7:29 to claim a 14-point win and leave both sides with 2-1 records.

"It was a great victory for us," Dokuzovski said.

"We had very good defense, passion and accuracy in attack.

"Just like against Croatia, all the players gave their best."

After beginning the EuroBasket with a 70-65 defeat to Montenegro, the Macedonians scraped a 78-76 victory over Croatia.

"Today the best team won," Dokuzovski said.

"But we are not celebrating.

"It's not a time for celebration because we have an important game against Finland and want to win to qualify.

"I hope my players will regain their strength."

Vojdan Stojanovski, a Macedonian shooting guard who missed all six of his shots from the floor, added: "It was another big win for us.

"After the victory over Croatia, we gained confidence. The defense was the key to the success of our team against Greece."

Macedonia held Greece to 31.1% shooting from the floor and also forced 13 turnovers - nearly twice as many as they committed themselves.

FIBA