Luxembourg 71-75 Macedonia
Last game in the group D could have been a win, if our guys could manage to keep the ball longer in offense and make the opponent run after the ball. The game was decisive as three teams were fighting for the 4th place in the group.
The importance of this game made our squad start the 1st quarter with a high intensity in defence and run successful fast breaks, which allowed us to lead by 6 points (8-2). Our guys imposed their own rhythm and pushed the opponent to make a lot of fouls. Unfortunately, we didn't take advantage of free throws to increase the gap. So, the Macedonian team managed to get back, equalized then took the lead with 4 points (14-18), but the good defence and the rebounds of Davy David allowed us to end this quarter with a light lead at the sore of 19-18.
In the second quarter, our squad managed to hit 2 three points shots in a row. In defence, we played a 2-3 Zone to close the middle and to force the opponent to shoot. This strategy allowed our guys to increase the gap to 20 points within 5 minutes (42-22). However, missed free throws (0/7) as well as the lack of experience of our players that resulted in bad decisions or turnovers in offense allowed Macedonia to cut the deficit to 13 points at halftime (45-32)
In the 3rd quarter, Luxembourg had again the occasion to increase the gap. However, the lead was cut to 6 due to missed easy lay ups and turnovers. Luxembourg finished the quarter strongly with some good variations in offense (penetrations and 3 points shot) and the lead was back up to 10 points.
In the last quarter, our boys knew an empty passage because of tiredness and their lack of experience (missed easy lay ups, turnovers, no box out and hesitation to attack the basket). The opponent took advantage and equalized at the score of 65-65. Macedonia took the lead two minutes before the end and finally won with 71-75.
A game that could be a win for our boys who fought hard, but unfortunately they didn't succeed to achieve it .
TANI. T 13pts
MELCHIOR. N 16 pts
VLAMINCK. F 22 pts
RECH. G 2 pts
KREPS. M 2 pts
DAVID. D 16 pts
You can find all statistics under this link:
http://www.fiba.basketball/europe/u16b/2017/1508/Luxembourg-MKD
«
