Russia beats Croatia, Greece cruises past Portugal
Updated: 2007-09-12 05:21
MADRID, Spain - Andrei Kirilenko scored 20 points Tuesday to lead Russia over Croatia 83-70 at the European Basketball Championship.
 Russia's Andrei Kirilenko (L) and Croatia's Mario Kasun go for a rebound during their second round game at the European Basketball Championships in Madrid September 11, 2007. [Reuters]
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The Russians, who led by only four points after three quarters, stretched their lead to nine early in the fourth after a 3-pointer from Zakhar Pashutin and a layup by Kirilenko.
Davor Kus scored 17 points to lead Croatia, which could have earned a place in the quarterfinals with a win.
"We woke up and played a beautiful second half," Russia coach David Blatt said. "It was one of our most consistent offensive games."
Defending champion Greece reached the quarterfinals by beating Portugal 85-67.
Dimosthenis Ntikoudis scored 17 points and pulled down nine rebounds as the Greeks dominated the post, outscoring their opponents 38-18 from inside the foul lane while also converting 10-of-18 from the 3-point line.
"We knew it was a very dangerous game and that's why we played under the (net)," forward Michail Kaziouzis said.
Joao Santos led Portugal with 17 points.
Later Tuesday, Israel faced world champion Spain needing a victory to advance to the quarterfinals. A Spanish win would send Croatia to the next round.
Russia's defense in the second half forced some erratic shooting and several turnovers by Croatia, which played without injured guard Marko Popovic.
"We lost our concentration, made many mistakes and conceded too many fast-break points," Croatia coach Jasmin Repesa said. "These are strong teams and if you lose your concentration against them, they will punish you."
Led by center Mario Kasun, Croatia led 21-19 by the end of the opening period, but repeatedly turned the ball over _ commited six of its 19 in the second quarter _ to keep Russia close.
Kus hit a 3-pointer to give Croatia a 39-32 lead late in the half, but Russia rallied and Kirilenko's flying dunk with seconds to play cut the deficit to 42-41.
Russia jumped ahead 50-47 in the third, but Kasun put Croatia back in front 54-53 before the Russians took control for good.
Greece guard Dimitris Diamantidis was 3-for-4 from behind the 3-point line and finished with 13 points, while Vassilis Spanoulis added 10.
Greece, inspired by the presence of former great Nick Galis in the stands, next will face the loser of Wednesday's game between Lithuania and Slovenia.
"We are not afraid of anyone," Spanoulis said. "Greece has proved in the past that (it) can come through in the most crucial games and to be great you have to win big games."
Portugal led 17-16 after the first quarter, but the Greeks capitalized on turnovers and moved ahead 45-34 by halftime.
"We've been a surprise and against Greece today we kept dreaming," Portugal forward Elvis Evora said. "We go home with our heads up, very proud of ourselves."
The second round ends Wednesday with Germany playing Italy for the final spot in the quarterfinals from Group F. Also, France faces Turkey.
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