Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8) — Serbia booked the first ticket to the FIBA World Cup finals match after a commanding victory over the Canada Red Warriors, 95-86, in their face-off at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Friday.
Canada’s NBA filled roster failed to hold off the Serbians, coming up short every quarter due to the Southeast European team’s tough defense.
Atlanta Hawks gunner Bogdan Bogdanovic did the most damage to the Red Warriors, racking up 23 points for Serbia on 8-of-12 shooting highlighted by three triples.
Shooting guard Ognjen Dobric and big man Nikola Milutinov scored 16 markers apiece for Serbia.
RJ Barrett spearheaded Canada with 23 points while Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander netted 16 and 15, respectively.
The Serbians reached the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014, when they succumbed to the NBA players-led Team USA, 129-92.
Serbia will face the winner of the USA-Germany knockout match which is set later on the same day.
Canada will now vie for a bronze medal finish versus the losing team from the USA-Germany match.
