Nikola Vucevic went unconscious offensively to be at the leadership of Montenegro’s gigantic 91-71 ousting over Mexico to start the Group D games of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay on Friday, Aug. 25.
The Chicago Bulls star was sizzling with a game-high 27 points, sinking 11 of his 15 shots and snatched 10 boards. Kendrick Perry added 16 with three trifecta, while Nikola Ivanovic provided 14 markers.
Montenegro blew past Mexico as early as the first half upon posting a nine-point advantage behind Perry and Vucevic at halftime, 48-39. They held their hole open over the Mexicans at the third by leading by 10, 68-58, until the Americas squad responded with a sneaky 9-6 run to trim the margin down to single digits again at the fourth with 6:02 remaining, 67-74.
Vucevic and Perry regained his magic touch and powered The Black Mountain back in double-digit column, combining for 14 points for the rest of the bout that propelled their nation to its first win at the World Cup.
With 16 points, Pako Cruz served as the lead man for Mexico that settles for an 0-1 start of the tourney.
Montenegro will look to maintain their good composure at their FIBA campaign against Egypt on Sunday, Aug. 27. Mexico will eye to redeem themselves against Lithuania on the same day.
