If the exhibition games are any indication, the Slovenian national basketball team’s chances at EuroBasket are looking quite fine despite their recent loss against Russia. They have won their first three games so far and have nine more to win before embarking on their championship quest in Poland.

After sweeping the Macedonian team in their two friendly matches, the Slovenian team handed out the losing card to the Russian team — 2007 EuroBasket gold medalist — on their 3-of-13 games before the championships. Last Sunday, the estimated sold-out crowd of 4,500 in Ljubljana were on their feet as Slovenia sealed their 78-62 triumph over Russia.

The following day, however, the audience at Novo Mesto witnessed the Slovenian team’s first defeat when the Viktor Khryapa-led Russian team avenged their 16-point loss the previous night with just a 4-point victory over Matjaž Smodiš’ team.

Sasha Vujacic was not the only one who missed these exhibition games against Russia. Their team captain also had to sit them out due to back pains — Smodiš only scored two points during the first game before he was benched — and Sacramento Kings’ Beno Udrih didn’t play at all due to mild pains in his diaphragm.

Meanwhile, Sasha remained in Maribor to undergo special treatment for his injured knee. Coach Jure Zdovc commented that Sasha is extremely motivated to play and teammate Primož Brezec hoped for the quick rehabilitation of Sasha’s knee as he also noted that The Machine’s offensive and defensive plays are crucial to their team’s success.

After the Slovenia vs. Russia games, Sasha’s team was given two days of rest and, after the successful treatment of Sasha’s injured knee, there is hope that we will hear more encouraging news about Sasha’s EuroBasket fate when the team gathers again this Thursday.

Interview sources: RTV Slo, Dnevnik