Dallas Mavericks: Boban Marjanovic struggles as Argentina eliminates Serbia
By Tyler Watts
Dallas Mavericks big man Boban Marjannovic was played off the floor as Argentina eliminated Serbia from the 2019 FIBA World Cup in the quarterfinals.
Dallas Mavericks big man Boban Marjanovic and his native Serbia entered the knockout phase of the 2019 FIBA World Cup with one loss. They were looking like title favorites until Spain upset them in their most recent game. How would Serbia bounce back?
They had their quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday against Argentina. The winner was guaranteed a place in a medal game. The loser would be eliminated from contention. Here is how things shook out.
Argentina pulls upset
Serbia was heavily favored heading into the game. Argentina got off to a fast start and never looked back. Serbia briefly grabbed the lead in the fourth quarter, but could not hold it as Argentina secured the 97-87 victory on Tuesday. Luis Scola dropped 20 points for Argentina.
Boban Marjanovic entered 46 seconds into the second quarter with Serbia leading by one. He had two turnovers and three fouls in 2.5 minutes before being replaced by Nikola Jokic. Argentina surged ahead by seven in Bobi’s short spurt on the court. He did not re-enter the game.
It was a disappointing result for Serbia. They won 14 straight games this summer before losing. Serbia dropped two straight and failed to reach the medal round in China.
Up next
Serbia has two more games at the World Cup. They can no longer win a medal, but they will be playing to determine which teams finish fifth through eighth. Those results will have a significant impact on which nations qualify for the 2020 Olympics.
Serbia plays the loser of Team USA and France on Sept. 12. That will be a marquee matchup between two of the top teams in the competition. Serbia will be searching to get back on track.
The Smoking Cuban will have everything from Boban Marjanovic’s remaining two games at the World Cup plus unmatched analysis on the Dallas Mavericks, so fans should return frequently to not miss a second.