Slovenia U 18 – Serbia U18  67:70 ( 16:13, 18:19, 20:20, 13:18)

U18 Men national team of Serbia won bronze medal at the European Championship in Izmir. The team coached by Vladimir Djokic was better than Slovenia in the placement game.

Slovenian team started the game slightly better. At the middle of the second period Slovenian team had the advantage of  10 points. However,  this did  not discourage our  players and one minute and 45 seconds before the end of the first half time , our players came to 33:32, but they did not use several changes to  overtake the result. Luckily , their defense was well, and Slovenia increased its advantage only for one point by the end of the  first half.

At the beginning of  the second half our team continued in good rhythm and soon , with the three points scored by Milijasevic, at the end of the 26th minute, the difference was seven points for our team – 47:40.

But , Slovenia had a serial of  9:2 and tie score – 49:49. Even though the opponent ended the third period better , our  players opened the last period better – with serial of 10:2 and led  62:66. This was not the end. Once again Slovenia came to 66:67 before the last 50 seconds. Djokovic (twice) and Djurici  , with free throws,  defended  and at the end our team celebrated.

Reaching the  semi finals our  U18 team secured placement to  World Championship that is to be played next summer.

Djordje Djuricic with 21 point ( six three throws out of 15) was the best, Laza Djokovic  scored 19 points with 9 rebounds, and Ilija Milijasevic contributed with 11 points.

Ilija Milijasevic was named into the  starting five of the tournament.