EUROBASKET 2011

Turning Point: Greece began to build up some momentum towards the end of the third quarter having been on the ropes. However, a big three-pointer by Vitaliy Fridzon stopped a potential slide by Russia at a crucial period as he handed his team an eight point lead to take into the final ten minutes.

Game Hero: Timofey Mozgov claimed 19 points off 7-of-8 floor shooting (88%) and added 5 boards and 3 blocked shots.

Stats Don't Lie: Greece hit their first five shots from downtown - then made only one of their subsequent 16 attempts.

Russia extended their perfect tournament record to seven games with victory against Greece, who dropped to third in Group F.

The 83-67 success was mainly due to an impressive second half performance and a more powerful Russian frontcourt as Coach Blatt and his players continue vying for top spot in the group.

With Greece edging a tight first quarter 16-15, the teams continued matching each other during most of the second quarter, step for step.

The game had an enjoyable flow and a nice range of play both inside and outside. Greece were continuing their hot perimeter shooting from their previous game of Slovenia.

Antonios Fotsis, Mike Bramos and Nikos Zisis all scored from range to briefly open up some tangible daylight for the first time, at 38-33.

Russia meanwhile were looking after the ball well and getting more joy under the basket through Mozgov and had Khryapa also on good shooting form. Russia produced seven points in a row to regain the lead through a big Mozgov dunk.

A last second lay-up by the equally impressive Aleksey Shved meant Russia was 42-39 in front at the end of an entertaining first couple of quarters.

They still had the momentum when the teams returned from the locker rooms and quickly doubled their lead but generally both defences were on top shortly after the break.

However Russia made a move and had Greek play-caller Ilias Zouros calling time out with his team 58-49 behind and their offence beginning to show some cracks.

It was a smart move since his team responded well with a 6-2 run but a big three-ball by Vitaliy Fridzon in the corner kept Greece at arm's length as Russia kept their eight-point advantage at the start of the fourth.

Having extended the margin to double digits, Russia rarely looked in danger of losing their grip as Greece tried but failed to regain the initiative.