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Although the favorites celebrated the 98:70 victory, they did not come out without defeat.
In the third quarter, V. Čančaras faced rival striker Michael Carrera and aimed his ankle at him. The Slovenians were helped off the field by team personnel, and he did not return to the park.
A good hundred fans from the Alpine country gathered at the “Žalgiris” stadium comforted the player who was lying on the free bench shouting his name.
The episode should have been especially unpleasant for Martynas Pocius, who was following the tournament in Kaunas from the stands: The former Lithuanian national team defender now works as a scout for the Nuggets club.
“We still don’t know how serious the injury is. But I’m sure our doctors will do everything in their power. If there is an opportunity to put Vlatko on his feet, they will seize it,” said coach Aleksandras Sekuličius after the match. .
Before the injury, V. Čančaras managed to play for 20 minutes, during which he scored 6 points, bounced 3 balls, but made a mistake 2 times.
Like the entire Slovenian team, it was the most boring performance in Kaunas for a 24-year-old basketball player. In the group stage, his average performance was 11.5 points, the three-point forward shot 56 percent. precision.
The Venezuelans have managed to stop the devastating Slovenian attack more than their previous opponents: the latter failed to score triple-digit points for the first time in the Olympic qualifiers. And while he didn’t give the South American representatives a chance to dream of the sensation, they did earn the respect of rivals.
“Venezuela played very well, I really enjoyed this game. Especially the way they fought back – they had to adapt and change this one. I think we are a better team, we have a longer reserve bench and we take advantage of it after the break, “commented A. Sekuličius.
“It was difficult, especially in the first half. But I think we were perfectly prepared, “added team leader Luka Dončičius.
The Dallas Mavericks defender missed just 1 rebound for a triple-double on Saturday: he scored 23 points, had 13 assists and grabbed 9 rebounds.
Although these statistical achievements are common for L. Dončičius in the NBA league, in international basketball they are much rarer. However, the 22-year-old Slovenian assured that he is not interested in triple doubles, he only cares about victories.
And when asked what he wanted more: Olympic gold or the NBA champion’s ring, Luke prioritized the Olympic title. It’s true, she added immediately: “I’d love to hug both of you.”
The Slovenian rivals will be announced in the final of the tournament on Sunday, starting at 7.30 pm, after the second semi-final between the Lithuanian and Polish teams.
Only the winners of the qualifying tournament will travel to the Tokyo Olympics.
Slovenia is aiming to make its Olympic Games debut and is participating in the qualifying competition for the third time.
We remind you that three more similar Olympic qualifying tournaments are held simultaneously in Split (Croatia), Belgrade (Serbia) and Victoria (Canada).
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