WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PHILIPPINES 1978
The Yugoslavs and Soviets were expected to be the participants in the first experimental deciding match introduced by FIBA( and they knew it). Their match in the final round would be a mere formality as the gold medal won be won in the final decider. However, the winners of the former match could be considered to have won the first round as the losers would have no scope for further failure.
Yugoslavia, coached by Alexander Nikolic, faced the match with their habitual self-confidence. Gomelski ' s men dominated the lanes with an unstoppable Tkachenko but they suffered from the typical weakness of the“ Red Czar ' s” teams, a lack of speed. Yugoslavia lost ground inside, but controlled the match from the perimeter with Drazen Dalipagic( 37 points) and Dragan Kikanovic( 34). In the end a clear victory( 105-92) for Yugoslavia proved that the USSR would have to improve a great deal if they wanted to avenge their defeat in Montreal.
SUCCESSFUL YUGOSLAV DEFENCE
The final round ended with Yugoslavia in first place, followed by the USSR, Brazil, Italy, USA, Canada, Australia and the Philippines in that order. In the consolation phase Czechoslovakia won all their matches and were followed by Puerto Rico and China, while Senegal returned home without savouring a single victory.
The final day exceeded all expectations. It was opened by the Philippines and Australia who were th th
playing for 7 and 8 place. The Australian triumph( 94-72) was clear cut and emphasised the disappointing performance of the home team who was unable to win any of their eight games. Neither the spectators, the heat or even some suspect refereeing could give the Philippines any joy. th
The USA, relegated to the morning game, played Canada for 5 spot, a low position that reflected their refusal to take the competition seriously. Once again they sent a very weak squad and some European journalists took advantage of this poor showing as a demonstration of the closing gap between US and European basketball, a totally absurd claim that bore no relation to reality. The th
USA beat Canada( 96-94) to take 5 place; a poor consolation.
The evening session attracted over 30,000 people to the Arena Coliseum in Quezon. It started with the match for the bronze medal between Brazil and Italy. It was a game where the lead was continually changing. The Italians, coached by Giancarlo Primo found an unexpected shooter in Bertolotti( 22 points), but the Brazilians replied with Oscar( 18) and Marcel de Souza( 22). Both defences increased in intensity in the final minutes. The Italians, with greater experience in tight matches, made this experience pay and gained a one-point advantage with four seconds left to play. Then, Marcel de Souza, staked everything on a final long distance shot that connected. Brazil climbed onto the podium once again.
After the excitement of the previous game, Yugoslavia and the USSR came out onto the court with their minds set on the gold medal, and, if possible, the chance to humiliate their rivals. The latter desire proved impossible for both teams. It was a tight, intense game that went to overtime and the minimal triumph by Yugoslavia took nothing away from the performance of their rivals.
214 FUNDACIÓN PEDRO FERRÁNDIZ