Mozgov helps Russia reach world quarters
September 6, 2010
ISTANBUL (AP)—Russia reached the quarterfinals of basketball’s worldchampionships against the United States, beating New Zealand 78-56 Monday afterAndrey Vorontsevich had 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Timofey Mozgov(notes), Russia’s 2.16-meter (7-foot-1) center who recently signedfor the New York Knicks, added 16 points and seven rebounds. Russia outreboundedNew Zealand 41-25 and had five blocks to the Kiwis’ one.
Kirk Penney led New Zealand with 21 points.
Russia used a 13-0 run to jump ahead 29-21 in the second quarter. In thesecond half, a frontline led by Vorontsevich overpowered a much smaller NewZealand.
“We played great defence,” Vorontsevich said. “We played like a giantfist.”
New Zealand power forward Pero Cameron agreed.
“Defensively, Russia pushed us out of what we wanted to do and sometimes wesettled for the outside shot a little early,” he said.
It was the teams’ second meeting. In 2002, New Zealand beat Russia 90-81 onthe way to its record fourth-place finish at the worlds in Indianapolis.
Russia next plays Thursday, pitting coach David Blatt against his nativecountry in what could be his final game after five years as Russia coach.
“I remember watching as a kid and crying when the U.S. lost to the Sovietsin the 1972 Olympics,” Blatt said. “It’s kind of a circle of irony. It is kindof special and not a little bit sad.”
Russia went to halftime leading 31-27, having trailed 21-18 and allowing NewZealand only seven field goals in 24 attempts.
Having forced New Zealand’s best players to the bench, including Penney,Russia had a 22-10 rebound advantage after halftime.
“We really focused on attacking inside and we did get them in foultrouble,” Blatt said.
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