World Cup Qualifiers: Triumphs for Croatia and Montenegro

Croatia bounced back with a huge win over Italy to grab their second win of the Qualifiers, on the road in Italy. The Croatians took control of the game in the second and third quarter of the game, when they went up by 13 points after a 3-point deficit after first quarter. They have protected their lead until the end when they have celebrated a 78:72 win. For Croatia, Bogdan Bogdanović was the most efficient this time around with 26 points. Ivica Zubac added 12.

In Nikšić, Montenegro have prevailed over Belarus and have tied themselves with Slovenia in the second place in the standings in Group A. The Montenegrins made the crucial difference in the third quarter, which they have won by 13 points and managed to stick to their lead until the end of the game. The final score was 80:69 in favour of Montenegro, for which Milko Bjelica socred 18 points, while Nikola Ivanović and Derek Needham added 12 apiece.

Slovenia unfortunately suffered a home defeat against Spain, which was better throughout the game and have in the end celebrated a 83:72 win. For Slovenia, Jaka Blažič led the way in scoring with 18 points, while Vlatko Čančar added 17.

2019 World Cup Qualifiers, First Round Group A, Round Gameday 5:

Slovenia – SPAIN 72:83 (20:26, 17:19, 13:15, 22:23)
Blažič 18, Čančar 17 | Colom 16, Fernandez 11.

MONTENEGRO – Belarus 80:69 (21:22, 12:10, 28:15, 19:22)
Bjelica 18, Ivanović and Needham 12 | Parakhouski 15, Liutych 13.

Group D:

Italy – CROATIA 72:78 (24:21, 15:20, 13:24, 20:13)
Aradori 15, Abass and Burns 14 | Bogdanović 26, Zubac 12.