Slovenia Edges Australia 71-60, Bags Stankovic Cup Title

Slovenia successfully avenged their lone defeat in the preliminary rounds when they surprised the undefeated Australian Boomers in the finals of the 2010 Stankovic Continental Cup, Sunday in China.

Slovenia, which was defeated by the Boomers, 77-63, in the preliminary rounds, leaned on the heroics of Sani Becirovic who erupted for 20 points. Phoenix Suns point guard Goran Dragic was almost a non-factor in the game because he was sick.

The previously undefeated Boomers had a bad night from the field all-game long, converting only 19 of their 58 attempts and were 5-of-23 from the three-point region.

Joe Ingles and David Andersen led the Boomers in scoring with their 14 points, while Aron Baynes and Mark Worthington added six points apiece.

The Boomers failed to defend the title they won last year, when they defeated Turkey in the Finals, while Slovenia duplicated their feat in 2007, when they won the tournament’s title.

On the other hand, Yi Jianlian tallied 18 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks to lead host China defeat the reigning Asian Champions Iran, 76-58, to finish third in the four-team tournament.

“There was a complete difference between the first and second half. We used our starting lineup in the second half, and Yi Jianlian in particular did an excellent job in defense. I think that’s why we managed to catch up and take the lead.” China Head Coach Bob Donewald said.

Donewald was also impressed with Sun Yue’s performance especially in defensive end of the floor, limiting the production of Iran’s ace scorer, Sammad Nikkhah Bahrami.

“We made an all-round preparation to square off Iran. Iran suffered a whitewash last game, so they died for a win tonight. We didn’t play well for the first half, but we made a turnaround in the second.” Sun said.

Slovenia, Australia, China, and Iran will al play in the upcoming 2010 FIBA World Basketball Championship in Turkey that will start on the 28th of August.
Slovenia Surprises Australia 71-60, Bags Stankovic Cup Title

Slovenia successfully avenged their lone defeat in the preliminary rounds when they surprised the undefeated Australian Boomers in the finals of the 2010 Stankovic Continental Cup, Sunday in China.

Slovenia, which was defeated by the Boomers, 77-63, in the preliminary rounds, leaned on the heroics of Sani Becirovic who erupted for 20 points. Phoenix Suns point guard Goran Dragic was almost a non-factor in the game because he was sick.

The previously undefeated Boomers had a bad night from the field all-game long, converting only 19 of their 58 attempts and were 5-of-23 from the three-point region.

Joe Ingles and David Andersen led the Boomers in scoring with their 14 points, while Aron Baynes and Mark Worthington added six points apiece.

The Boomers failed to defend the title they won last year, when they defeated Turkey in the Finals, while Slovenia duplicated their feat in 2007, when they won the tournament’s title.

On the other hand, Yi Jianlian tallied 18 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks to lead host China defeat the reigning Asian Champions Iran, 76-58, to finish third in the four-team tournament.

“There was a complete difference between the first and second half. We used our starting lineup in the second half, and Yi Jianlian in particular did an excellent job in defense. I think that’s why we managed to catch up and take the lead.” China Head Coach Bob Donewald said.

Donewald was also impressed with Sun Yue’s performance especially in defensive end of the floor, limiting the production of Iran’s ace scorer, Sammad Nikkhah Bahrami.

“We made an all-round preparation to square off Iran. Iran suffered a whitewash last game, so they died for a win tonight. We didn’t play well for the first half, but we made a turnaround in the second.” Sun said.

Slovenia, Australia, China, and Iran will al play in the upcoming 2010 FIBA World Basketball Championship in Turkey that will start on the 28th of August.