ORLANDO -- There are benefits playing against the most talented team to start a tournament. Some squads need a wakeup call right out of the gate to toughen them up and motivate them throughout the rest of the competition.
Enduring a drubbing to the mighty Spaniards in the opener clearly provoked Montenegro, which increased its defensive intensity and grit in Saturday’s 72-48 victory over Hungary in EuroBasket 2017.
With tremendous length spread across its roster, Montenegro did a splendid job contesting nearly every shot attempt. The Hungarians never got into a rhythm, especially in the first half when they were held to 25 percent shooting from the field and made just 1-of-13 from 3-point range.