Vlade Divac towers over Reggie Miller as they
vie for control of the ball.
INDIANAPOLIS -- In yet another stunning outcome, Yugoslavia came back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter and defeated the U.S. team 81-78 on Thursday night.
After going 58-0 using NBA players in international competitions, the Americans have lost twice in a row. The best they can do now is finish fifth in this topsy-turvy tournament.
Much like Argentina did after defeating the United States on Wednesday night, the Yugoslavs celebrated, danced and hugged at midcourt as the stunned U.S. team watched.
"Right now, after beating the U.S., we think we can win the gold medal,''
Peja Stojakovic said.
Stojakovic, one of five NBA players on Yugoslavia's roster, scored 20 points.
Vlade Divac added 16 -- all in the first half -- and
Milan Gurovic had 15.
"This is a great victory for us,'' said Divac, who boldly stated a week ago that his team knew it could beat the United States. "It's not fair for the U.S. team because there is so much pressure on them, and the international game is a different game than they're used to.''
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