Swiss shock Serbia on Belgrade-born Mladjan’s game-winner

Switzerland pulled off arguably the biggest win in the country’s history at they shocked Serbia at the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 Qualifiers with the game-winner coming from the Belgrade-born Dusan Mladjan.

The 34-year-old Mladjan, who has played for Switzerland since 2003, knocked down a jumper in the left corner with 0.5 seconds left to complete a well-deserved 92-90 Swiss win, having led the game for more than 24 minutes. It is a result that shakes up the constellations in Group E – and also sends shockwaves across the continent.

Turning Point: With the game tied 90-90, Patrick Baldassarre missed two free throws for Switzerland with 35 seconds left. But Danilo Andjusic turned the ball over with 21 seconds to go as Serbia missed their chance to take the lead, giving Switzerland the opportunity to win the game. With the game clock winding down, Marko Mladjan drove the baseline from the right corner and passed out to his brother Dusan in the left corner and he rose over his defender to drain the game-winner.

Game Hero: Marko Mladjan and Roberto Kovac both nailed four three-pointers in scoring 18 and 14 points, respectively, but Dusan Mladjan had three three-pointers in scoring 16 points, and adding the game-winner to his collection.

Stats Don’t Lie: Switzerland were on fire all night from long range as they drained 13-of-23 three-pointers for 56.2 percent. That shooting never let Serbia get a run going and kept Switzerland ahead for much of the game.

Bottom Line: Switzerland still have a major hill to climb to qualify for FIBA EuroBasket 2022 at 1-2 with the second game of the window coming against Georgia on Monday. But Serbia now must re-group with a 1-2 record as well and a showdown with Finland awaiting next.