Serbia takes Russia in the fourth quarter

(Beijing, July 19) -- In a high-scoring game where fortunes would rise and fall dramatically, Serbia managed to prevail over Russia 99-85 in day three of the round robin Stankovic Cup held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China.

In the first quarter, competition remained tight with Serbia outscoring Russia by one point, closing the quarter 20-19.

The next two quarters flip-flopped, first with Russia outscoring Serbia 23-14 in the second, then Serbia outscoring Russia in the third 31-23.

At the outset of the second quarter, Russia went on an 11 point scoring run while simultaneously stopping Serbia in their tracks and prompting them to call two timeouts. When Serbia began to get its offensive groove back and the score narrowed from 31-20 to 33-27, it was Russia's turn to call a nervous TO. The teams went to the half with Russia up 42-34.

Serbia made up the difference to end the third quarter tied 65-65, and trampled Russia when it counted at the end, besting them by 14 points in the fourth, which was where the game was decided.

Tomorrow will be the last day in the Stankovic tournament, the only FIBA series held in China. In three weeks Russia will go on to play Iran in the first men's basketball game of the Beijing 2008 Games, on August 10 at 9 a.m in the Wukesong Indoor Stadium.