Russia in FIBA Europe Final Four after big games by Shved, Mozgov

Timofey Mozgov continued his solid play in FIBA Eurobasket, going for 15 and 10 (with two blocks) as Russia came back late to defeat Greece, 74-69 Wednesday. Russia had been down by 13 in the first half, but called on their two stars, Alexey Shved and Mozgov. Shved dominated late after Mozgov kept his team in the game early.

Mozgov went 6-of-8 overall, all twos and 3-of-3 from the stripe in 29 minutes. He scored 11 of his 15 points in the first half, helping to cut the 13-point lead, but Greece was still up, 37-31 at halftime. Shved then took over in the third, scoring 13 points, which brought the Russians to within two going into the fourth. After a back-and-forth final stanza, Russia emerged with a win. Shved, the former Knick, finished with 26 points and five assists.

While Shved was scoring, Mozgov was boarding. Of his 10 rebounds, seven came in the second half. He is now averaging 13.6 points and 6.9 rebounds in 24 minutes over eight games. Mozgov has played efficiently throughout the tournament. The Nets 7’1” center has now scored 108 points on 52 shots, all two-pointers. He’s shooting 57.7 percent overall and nearly 80 percent from the line for the tournament.

Mozgov also showed he can protect the rim...

Russia’s dagger came late on an ankle-breaker by Dmitry Khvostov, helped by a Mozgov pick...

Russia will now play Serbia next. A win there and Russia will be in the Finals.

• Box Score: Russia 74, Greece 69 - FIBA
• Highlights: Russia 73, Greece 69 (Video) - FIBA
• Russia celebrate win over Greece in the locker room (Video) - FIBA
• Nick Calathes puts up 29 in valiant effort (Video) - FIBA
• Shved unleashed and Russia got to the semis - Eurohoops
• Alexey is Shved-ly as Russia tops Greece - BallinEurope