Aleksandar Petrovic spoke for media representatives after the defeat of Brazil against the Cameroon national team in Riga.
Montenegro ended its participation in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament after Cameroon defeated Brazil 77:74.
Nikola Vucevic and company needed either any win of Brazil, or a win of Cameroon higher than 15 points in order to reach the semifinals of the qualification tournament for the Olympic Games in Riga.
“A rollercoaster of emotions, we didn’t come to the game. In the first few minutes, we hit all the shots, and we had a seven or eight point deficit. That best shows how we played today. We conceded 56 points at halftime, while they scored 21 points in the second half. Everyone is aware that the problem is the first 20 minutes. When we were behind by 24 points, we were already packing our bags for Brazil, but we managed to control the paint. That’s the key that allowed us to get back into the match.
Later we thought that the extension could be very challenging for us. We got to minus three from 24 points behind, but everything is okay. We are first in the group, we have to forget this game as soon as possible mentally and prepare properly for the Philippines, and send a message about what to do to be able to win in the semifinals. I come from a region very close to Montenegro, I have to apologize to them for this result that excluded them from the competition”, said Aleksandar Petrovic.
Raul Neto
“A big blow for us, we know what kind of injury he came from, we were careful and watched him in training. He is a great player and someone who is able to create the difference we need. We are two games away from the dream. We have to find the energy, raise the level of play and find a way to beat the Philippines.
Raul Neto means a lot to us both offensively and defensively, but I have to remind you that we have two playmakers, both of whom were injured. We have a lot of problems in that position, we are not in great physical condition, but we will do everything we can.”
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