Montenegro’s Nikola Vucevic during a game against Egypt in the Fiba World Cup. -FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines-Montenegro booked its place in the second round of the Fiba World Cup after an 89-74 win over Egypt in Group D on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic put up 16 points, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocks as Montenegro got its second victory in as many matches to put one foot in the next phase of the premier showcase of international basketball.
Naturalized player Kendrick Perry had 11 points and seven assists for Montenegro, which will now focus its attention on Tuesday’s big clash with Lithuania.
Lithuania, led by New Orleans Pelicans double-double machine Jonas Valanciunas, is set to play Mexico in Sunday’s other match.
Montenegro at the Fiba World Cup. -FIBA PHOTO
Barring an upset by Mexico, the Montenegro-Lithuania battle will see the winner claim the group’s top spot and momentum in its quest to reach the quarterfinals.
Coach Bosco Radovic opted to play his starters for at least 18 minutes, with Vucevic suiting up for 22 and Perry 21, perhaps in anticipation for the Lithuania meeting.
Despite the limited action, Vucevic and the rest got their numbers at the expense of the Egyptian squad that dropped a second straight game.
Ehab Amin finished with 26 points as a first World Cup win since 1994 eluded Egypt anew.