Serbia reaches 2016 Olympic Games

Serbia headed into the finale of the 2016 Olympics qualifier as favourite, a breezy path to the final and home court advantage in Belgrade sought to that. Even so, the hosts clicked big time and simply tore apart Puerto Rico with a 108-77 victory. Success sends Serbia through to the 2016 Olympic Games where the team will provide a test for many of the nations already booked for the tournament.

Of course, there are two more qualifying tournaments happening at the moment, but for the Serbs it is a case of job well done.

Serbia vs. Puerto Rico, 108-77

Serbia has some core player who will be relied on in the Olympics. The starting five contributed 79 of the country’s points in the final and were huge through a dominant first half. Puerto Rico was stunned in the first quarter as Serbia went to town on the bucket, draining 37 points while the visitors managed just 11. The tone was set and then the game all but won through a 23-16 second quarter that ensured the hosts a 60-27 lead through halftime.

60 points in the first half proved to be plenty to give Serbia protection to weather a 22-29 Puerto Rico rally in the third act that made it 82-49 through three frames. Still, the hosts were well in charge and went again in the fourth quarter to close out an easy final win.

Bogdan Bogdanovic wrapped up his excellent tournament with a game high 26 points in the win, while he also handed out 8 assist. Nikola Jokic grabbed 21 points and 8 rebounds, followed by Nikola Kalinic with 15 points.