Montenegro Shocks Greece with Victory in Athens
Montenegro stunned Greece with a narrow victory on their home court in Athens, winning 67-65. This thrilling match occurred during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, following Montenegro’s earlier victory against Greece in Manila.
Key Moments in the Game
The final moments of the game were intense and pivotal. Veteran point guard Derek Needham played a crucial role, orchestrating key plays that led to the victory. With the game tied at 65, Needham executed a well-timed pick-and-roll with Zoran Nikolic. After attracting defensive pressure, Needham delivered a precise assist, allowing Nikolic to complete a dunk.
On the next possession, Needham anticipated the defensive adjustment. He directed Emir Hadzibegovic to the perfect position. Following Nikolic’s short roll, Hadzibegovic found himself in a prime spot to finish the play, securing the game-winning basket.
Game Recap and Statistics
- Final Score: Montenegro 67, Greece 65
- Location: Athens
- Date: Recent match in FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023
- Teams’ Record: Montenegro and Greece are now both 2-1 in Group B
Coach Vassilis Spanoulis attempted a late comeback for Greece. He called a timeout to set up a potential game-winning drive for Vasileios Toliopoulos. However, Toliopoulos’s layup attempt missed the mark as time expired, sealing Montenegro’s impressive victory.
What’s Next?
The two teams will face off again in Podgorica on Monday. Fans will be eager to see if Montenegro can maintain their winning streak or if Greece will reclaim their previous dominance.
