Montenegrins Beat Pesky Poles

Eshaya Murphy led a balanced Montenegro attack with 12 points.

If Montenegro have a hangover from their disappointment at the EuroBasket Women one year ago when they came up just short of a place in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament with a sixth-place finish, they're not showing it this summer.

Miodrag Baletic's side followed up EuroBasket Women 2013 Qualification Round wins over Serbia and Switzerland with a 59-50 Group B victory over Poland on Wednesday.

The game was knotted at 8-8 when Iva Perovanovic scored and drew a foul on the play for Montenegro.

The center went to the line and sank the free-throw for the three-point play.

Eshaya Murphy followed with two free-throws and Jana Dubljevic a jumper as the hosts opened up a 15-8 advantage.

The lead grew to 13 in the first half before Montenegro went to the changing rooms in front, 33-21.

Montenegro stayed in command with two Snezana Aleksic free-throws stretching the advantage to 50-34 at the end of the third quarter and Dubljevic then pushed the lead to 52-34 with another jumper.

Poland continued to battle, though, which bodes well for their chances of making it to the EuroBasket in France.

A basket by Agnieszka Majewska cut the deficit to nine with 1:02 to go but that proved to be the final points of the game.

Montenegro had a balanced scoring attack with Murphy's 12 points a team high.

Jelena Skerovic, Aleksic and Dubljevic weighed in with 11 apiece.

Poland struggled from long range, making one of 14 attempts.

Agnieszka Skobel had 16 points to lead the Poles, who are 1-1.

Quotes Montenegro vs. Poland

Poland coach Jacek Winnicki:
"I congratulate the players and the coach of Montenegro on the win. Montenegro, after this victory, is very close to advance to EuroBasket Women. We were not at the expected level in the first half, but in the second we managed to come within seven points, but we have not managed to threaten their triumph."

Poland player Agnieszka Skobel:
"Congratulations to the winning team of Montenegro. We knew it would be difficult against Montenegro, but we made too many mistakes and it took us to defeat. I hope we play better in the coming matches."

Montenegro coach Miodrag Baletic:
"Another tough game, most notably because after the game against Switzerland, we did not know whether Perovanovic will be able to help us, and you also know that when we are left without one of the leader, we can not play at the highest level. Poland came to Cetinje to achieve victory, but my players have shown they know to fight and play defence in the best possible way, which eventually brought a new victory."

Montenegro Eshaya Murphy:
"We played very well on defence, but on offence we made mistakes. However, thanks to our best players, Iva Perovanovic and Jelena Skerovic and a significant contribution by all the others, we were able to break the match in our favor of us in the last quarter and achieve a new victory."