![Around 5.000 spectators saw the well-known Slovenian fighting spirit with fast transitions and good defense. Foto: MMC RTV SLO/Sandi Fišer](https://img.rtvcdn.si/_up/upload/2013/09/19/65031067_ov7a3394.jpg)
Slovenia used the Spanish recipe against Serbia and was in the lead by 18 points in the first quarter already. That quarter more or less decided today's winner. Around 5.000 fans got what they wanted and cheered on Slovenia's shooters who had a good day today. Three point shots, which caused headaches at the quarterfinal game, started raining in. At the same time the defense remained solid. Slovenia scored 53 points at half time, from that Zoran Dragić 16. Jaka Blažič also adjusted his shooting form.
In the second half Serbia threatened with a 9-0 run, cutting a 23-point lead to 60:46. However all hope faded away when Serbia's coach Ivković was given a technical foul. From the free throw line Slovenia increased the lead to a safe 16 points.
There was no more doubt about today's winner when the lead increased again to 20 points in the last quarter. On Saturday at 9pm Slovenia will play the match for fifth place, which would be its second best placement at a European championship tournament.
After the victory against Serbia, Boštjan Nachbar said: "I think we wanted this win more than our opponent. As the end result shows, we were the more aggressive team." At the same time he did stress that all the players were tired after last night's game. The loss against France shattered Slovenia's dreams of winning a much desired medal at the European championship. "It wasn't easy to bounce back after yesterday's defeat. To come back and play just 14 hours after losing one of the toughest matches is …. I'd rather not waste words on FIBA's decision."
According to him the main goal has been accomplished. "We qualified for the world championship, so we'll sleep better tonight," he added.