EUROBASKET 2011

Milenko Tepic and Serbia will look to topple France to keep their unbeaten run going and top the group

France, Serbia and Germany are guaranteed a place in Vilnius.

The only remaining question is who takes first place in the group, something to be decided in the France v. Serbia game. 

Israel v Italy - Monday at 15:15 (14:15 CET)

Italy will try to finish their EuroBasket on a winning note when going up against Israel on the last day of Group B action in Siauliai.

The Italians suffered another narrow defeat on Sunday, leading for much of the game before falling 91-84 to France.

Italy got 59 of their points from the NBA trio of Andrea Bargnani, Marco Belinelli and Danilo Gallinari, but what hurt them badly was the rebounding, with the French winning that battle 38-18.

Israel tasted victory for the first time with a 91-88 triumph on Sunday over Latvia and they, too, would like nothing more than to sign off with a triumph.

Latvia v Germany - Monday at 17:45 (16:45 CET)

Germany head into their last Group B game safe in the knowledge that they will be the next round of the EuroBasket as the third-place team from Group B.

After back-to-back defeats against France and Serbia, there is a sense of urgency to get the winning feeling back, something they had after the contests with Israel and Italy.

"I think for us, it's important to focus on Latvia and find our rhythm again going into the next round," Germany guard Heiko Schaffartzik said.

Latvia haven't won a game, yet in every contest the youngest side in the competition has come close.

Germany coach Dirk Bauermann is a big admirer of theirs.

"I think they play well, they play hard, tough defense and offensively, they make very good decisions," Bauermann said.

"They're going to be very difficult to beat tomorrow night. We're going to have our hands full.

"I take my hat off to how well this young team has played in this tournament."

What is a possibility is that some players may not get as much time on the court, if any at all, since nothing is at stake for Germany in the standings.

"Now we move on and we make the decision, do we want to rest certain guys or do we want to go all out and maintain our rhythm?" Bauermann said.

"I have a little bit of time to make that decision.

"I'll take to some of my guys and will make that decision based on their opinions as well."

Serbia v France - Monday at 21:00 (20:00 CET)

France and Serbia played a hard game against each other in the build-up to the EuroBasket when they met at last month's London Invitational Tournament.

The two will meet again on Monday only this time, the stakes are far more significant.

The winners will clinch first place in Group B in Siauliai at the EuroBasket and be in an excellent position to advance to the Quarter-Finals.

One thing is certain and that is both teams have a healthy respect for the other because to be going into the clash with 4-0 records is no mean feat considering the quality of the sides in the Siauliai pool.

"We will do everything we can to prepare for tomorrow's game against France," said Serbia forward Milan Macvan, who had the tough job of guarding Germany's Dirk Nowitzki on Sunday in Serbia's 75-64 triumph.

"We played France in the London Tournament and in that game, they dominated and went up by 20 points at one moment and they are a very good, athletic team and beside that, against the great Tony Parker, we'll do everything we can stop him and try to win."

Parker hurt his upper leg during the 91-84 victory over Italy, though, and didn't play in the fourth quarter so his status for the game against Serbia is uncertain.