Bogdanovic injured, Petrusev ejected, Pesic angry: Serbia struggled against Portugal
Nikola Jokic’s Serbia defeated Portugal (80-69) on day 2 of EuroBasket 2025. However, between Bogdan Bogdanovic’s injury, Filip Petrusev’s ejection, and Svetislav Pesic’s anger, it wasn’t a smooth evening for the Serbians.
A More Difficult Match Than Expected
Heavy favorites against Portugal, Serbia struggled to impose their superiority. The game quickly took an unexpected turn with Filip Petrusev’s ejection after just four minutes for striking Diogo Brito. « I set a hard screen, but it was a basketball play. Then I got hit, it was up to the refs to judge. I would have preferred if Petrusev wasn’t ejected, » the Portuguese player said in the post-game press conference.
Shortly after, Serbia lost their captain Bogdan Bogdanovic to a hamstring injury late in the second quarter, and he didn’t return to the court. Medical examinations were scheduled for Saturday to determine the injury’s severity, according to Meridian Sport.
🇷🇸 Nakon pobede protiv Portugalije ekipu je u svlačionici sačekao Bogdan Bogdanović! pic.twitter.com/dpB5ic2Wpa
— Arena Sport TV (@arenasport_tv) August 29, 2025
Despite these setbacks, Nikola Jokic led his team with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Nikola Jovic (18 points) and Ognjen Dobric provided crucial scoring in crunch time. Serbia ultimately won 80-69, securing their second victory in as many games.
Pesic, Very Angry with His Players
Svetislav Pesic was not at all pleased with his team’s performance. « Everyone saw the game. We weren’t ready, weren’t focused. This isn’t what the Serbian national team is about. We shouldn’t just win, but improve with each game, » he insisted.
Regarding Petrusev’s ejection, the coach was categorical: « This wasn’t about basketball, but about discipline. A national team player can’t allow themselves to do that. I will forgive him, but he needs to learn. »
Petrusev Sanctioned but Cleared to Play Against Latvia
FIBA announced on Saturday that Filip Petrusev would receive a €5,000 fine and one-year probation. However, he is allowed to play in the next game, a highly anticipated match against Latvia, the host country of Group A.
Isključen Petrusev pic.twitter.com/c572wGNqXv
— sportnadlanu (@klikclick191174) August 29, 2025
For Portugal, their courageous performance deserves recognition. Diogo Brito finished as the game’s top scorer with 22 points, while Travante Williams (15) and Diego Ventura (11) kept hope alive for long stretches.
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