The AIS men’s team took to the basketball court for the first game of their European tour against the Serbian national U20 men’s team at the Serbian Institute of Sport in Belgrade.

On a balmy summer night in the capital the assertive and aggressive defensive pressure of the European basketball powerhouse caught the AIS team off guard and forced the Australians into 8 turnovers for the quarter with the Aussies finding it difficult to execute in the half court on offense which then put pressure at the defensive end of the floor. The changing defense of the Serbs frustrated the AIS in offense. The Serbians took a commanding 31-16 quarter time lead.

The first break allowed coach Stacker to rally and address the team with Odigie and Norton combining well together at both ends of the floor to lead a Aussie revival in the 2^nd quarter. Majok’s rebounding, shot blocking and ability to change shots around the basket forced the Serbians into turnovers and allowed the AIS to found some offensive rhythm against the home team. The Aussies got the deficit back to 10 at half time 45-35.

In a game of changing momentum the Serbs turned their defensive pressure up a gear and forced the AIS into unforced turnovers which led to easy baskets by the home team. They executed their “horns” set plays to perfection and their ability to make open 3 point shots was the difference. The Aussies poor rotation and on ball defense gave the home team a sizeable lead. Their suffocating defense rattled the Aussies into 17 turnovers for the quarter which in turn put pressure on the Aussies offense. The home team outscored the visitors from down under 30-15.

In a spirited fight back by Odigie and Norton the Aussies found a way to stay in the game with the pair combining together on several defensive plays and helping the team find ways to score in the full and half court. Majok’s presence around the basket with his rebounding keyed some fast break opportunities for the AIS. However it wasn’t enough with the Serbian U20 National team taking the game 90-68.

The game was a huge basketball lesson for the AIS boys in dealing with the physical pressure noted by the gritty Serbians. Their physical screening, chasing cutters, getting loose balls and playing every possession on both the offense and defense ends of the floor was a highlight. It was a great game for the team to learn from before they face off again on Tuesday in Game 2.

Top scorers for AIS:

Owen Odigie 18points

Mitch Norton 11 points

Ater Majok 10 rebounds