Team Montenegro remains proud of its gallant stand against powerhouse USA despite absorbing an 85-73 defeat that booted them out of contention in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup last Friday, Sept. 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Montenegro coach Basko Radovic lauded his stalwarts’ efforts for showing the Americans their vulnerable side and making them work full time.

“A small country like Montenegro of 600,000 people, we played one of the best games ever,” said Radovic.

“We played such a good team – very talented, very athletic like the United States – and we were in the game [for] 35 minutes,” he added.

Montenegro led for most of the first half including a close 38-37 upperhand after the break before the all-NBA American squad unleashed its assault in the next two quarters en route to the win. 

Nikola Vucevic, who plays for the Chicago Bulls, led Montenegro with another double-double performance of 18 points and 16 rebounds including crucial baskets that shook Team USA’s poise.

“I’m really happy about how we opened the game and how we played this game against the United States. They are maybe the best team here in the World Cup, so I’m really proud of my team and the coaching staff and everybody who is with the national team,” said Montenegro pointguard Nikola Ivanovic. 

“I think we showed how we can play against maybe the best team in this tournament. Really happy and proud of my team, we focus on the next game,” he added. 

Even American head coach Steve Kerr was generous to admit that Montenegro had been the better side at some parts of the game. 

“I thought Montenegro was fantastic. That’s a really well coached team. They had their game plan, everybody did their roles and they executed,” Kerr said. 

As the USA progressed to the quarterfinals of the World Cup, Montenegro is now looking to wrap up its campaign on a winning note against Greece, which fell to Lithuania 92-67 on the same day. 

The European countries are set to face each other on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 4:40 p.m.