SERBIA – BRAZIL 72:65 (23:20, 16:18, 17:16, 16:11)

In the second match of the Olympic qualification tournament in Belem, the women’s senior national team of Serbia defeated the host Brazil. On Sunday our team will play the last game of the tournament and then they will know if they have qualified for the Olympic Games.

The host opened the game better, taking a significant 10:0 lead after three minutes, forcing coach Marina Maljkovic to call a timeout. Anderson scored the first two points for Serbia, stabilizing the team in the following minutes. After Raca’s three-pointer in the 7th minute, Serbia reduced the gap to 13:10 and ended the first quarter with a lead – 23:20.

 

The second quarter saw an even game, with Serbia pulling away to 30:24 in the 14th minute. However, the Brazilian players held on, regained the lead at 35:34 in the 18th minute, and went into the halftime break with a minimal advantage – 39:38 for Serbia.

Serbia solidly opened the third quarter, taking a 43:38 lead. The rival consistently kept the game close. A mini-series by Serbia of 6:0 for 49:41 followed, but the Brazilians responded with a three-pointer and a two-pointer, reducing the score to 49:46. Our team maintained a three to six-point lead, going into the last break with a modest 56:54 advantage.

The opponent took the lead at the start of the final quarter with 57:56. Stankevic hit two baskets for 60:57, and two minutes later, another one for 64:59. Anderson made a brilliant three-pointer, bringing the score to 66:59 with three minutes left. However, Martins hit a three-pointer, and Anderson scored an entrance for 69:62 with 43 seconds remaining. Dantas hit a three-pointer 25 seconds before the end, narrowing the score to 65:69. Nogic missed a three-pointer, but Stankevic caught the rebound and scored. The Brazilians missed, and Raca was fouled. She made one free throw, securing the final result of 72:65.

Serbia plays against Australia on Sunday at 21:00, and with two victories, Australia has already secured a place in the Olympic Games. If our girls win, they are sure to go to Paris. Otherwise, we await the result of the Brazil-Germany match. If Germany wins or loses by less than seven points, Serbia goes to the Olympics. The same is true if Brazil wins by eight or more points because, in that case, Germany remains without Olympic placement.

Full  statistics :

https://www.fiba.basketball/oqtwomen/brazil/2024/game/1002/Serbia-Brazil#tab=boxscore

 

Statements:

Marina Maljković:

“Obviously, I’m happy with the victory, but there are still some details that could be better. Although we won, we didn’t do a few things in the fourth quarter as we should have. We played against a team that is bigger than us, much stronger than us; they are ultimately a very good team with many qualities and great individuals. It was very tough to play against them, especially with the support they had from the stands. It wasn’t easy, but as I said, I’m happy for the victory, but there are still many things in the last quarter that had to be better.”

Dragana Stankovic:

“The game was very tough, in front of a full arena that cheered for their team, it was a pleasure to play here. After the first game in which we played poorly, we woke up and gave our best. As I said, it was very difficult, but we had better energy, and that’s why we won the game. We already played against Australia, knew that this game would be physically demanding; we’ll prepare, see how everything will look tomorrow, and hopefully, we will win.”

Yvonne Anderson:

“The game was very tough in front of a full arena that supported the Brazil team throughout the entire 40 minutes. I am very happy and proud of all the girls for enduring the pressure and making a big step toward Olympic placement. Tomorrow, we have the last match of the qualifications against Australia, and I hope we will win, so we won’t depend on the result of the other game. We need to rest well and prepare for the duel against Australia.”

Nevena Jovanovic:

“It was a very important and big victory for us. The game was very tough from the beginning. We knew what to expect, knew that the stands would be full, and their support would be an additional wind in their backs. The most important thing is the outcome in the end – the victory. With this victory, things are a bit easier. We undoubtedly enter tomorrow’s game more relaxed. Of course, the job is not done yet, and we have another 40 minutes to the goal ahead of us.”

Aleksandra Katanic:

“This is a very important and significant victory for us. The game was tough because we played in front of a packed Brazilian crowd who supported their team throughout all 40 minutes. I am very happy and proud of all the girls for enduring the pressure and for making a big step toward Olympic placement. Tomorrow, we have the last match of the qualifications against Australia, and I hope we will win, so we won’t depend on the result of the other game. We need to rest well and prepare for the duel against Australia.”