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NOVI SAD (FIBA U19 World Championship) - Miroslav Raduljica produced a virtuoso performance to help Serbia to clinch a 70-47 win over Group B strugglers Mali.

The FMP Zeleznik Belgrade center was Serbia’s top scorer with 14 points as well proving decisive on rebounds with a match best of 19.

Waly Coulibaly was Mali’s best player and collected the highest points total in the match with 17 as well as providing two assists, but it was not enough to prevent his side slipping to their second defeat of the tournament.

Serbia did not have it all there own way at the beginning of the match and despite Serbia’s dominance Mali remained in contention after trailing 17-14 at the end of the first quarter.

Serbia began to improve their offensive play and extended their lead to 38-20 at the end of the second quarter.

Center Boban Marjanovic helped Serbia to exert their control in the third quarter with five points to help his side to a comfortable 48-29 lead.

Power forward Milan Macvan, who finished with 11 points, came into this own in the final quarter as he struck a fine jump shot early in the to make the scores 59-35.

There was no let up for Mali’s defence, who leaked 118 points against the USA, as Serbia continued to score with relative ease with Raduljica successfully converting two free throws.

Point guard Hamnet Niane made a jump shot in the last 30 seconds for Mali, but it was scant consolation in a match in which they rarely threatened the host nation.

Timothy Abraham
FIBA