Nikola Vucevic posted 15 points, nine rebounds and one block, however Montenegro wasn’t able to fend off New Zealand, falling 93-83 at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China on Tuesday.
Trailing by nine at halftime, the Montenegrins stormed back and took the lead early in the fourth quarter when Petar Popovic connected on a driving layup.
Vucevic, who attempted only three shots in the entire first half despite making his first two, was much more involved in the offense after the break. An NBA All-Star for the first time in his career last season, the 28-year-old converted on an AND-1 and a 3-pointer in the third when Montenegro outscored New Zealand by eight.