Serbia’s Bogdan Bogdanovic paid tribute to teammate Borisa Simanic, who underwent surgery to remove a kidney at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, after beating Lithuania to reach the semifinals on Tuesday.

Serbia won 87-68 as the knockout phase got underway in Manila but had to compete without Simanic, who was hospitalized after being hit by South Sudan player Nuni Omot’s elbow during their group stage game on August 30. 

Complications arising from the operation meant he had to have further surgery on Sunday, when one of his kidneys was removed.

Omot has apologized for the incident, which the South Sudan Basketball Federation described as ”unintentional and unfortunate.”

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Simanic’s injuries. As a sportsman, I firsthand understand the severity of the situation, and I am deeply sorry that this happened,” Omot said.

“No player should have to go through that. I pray for Simanic’s recovery and speedy return to the court,” he added.

The basketball federation also stressed that officials immediately reviewed the incident and ”no foul play was found” on the part of Omot. 

It also slammed the alleged racism and harassment directed at Omot.

“We condemn any sort of racism directed towards the player. Basketball is a sport that is recognized to bring people together rather than to be used as a tool of prejudice,” it said. 

On Tuesday, Bogdanovic said Simanic addressed the squad before their quarterfinal match and gave them “amazing energy”.

“He said, ‘Guys, I’m good; don’t worry, let’s win tonight’,” said Bogdanovic, who finished as the game’s top scorer with 21 points.

“For him to think about us after everything that happened to him, he united us.

”That’s an amazing guy, and this is for him.”

Bogdanovic put in an all-action performance as Serbia downed a previously unbeaten Lithuanian team that went into the game fresh from a win over the United States.

The Serbians took control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring Lithuania 25-13 to open up a lead that they never gave back.

Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Bogdanovic had 18 points in the first half alone and said his team had to give “300 percent” to win the game.

“It’s really important for us as athletes first and then for our country,” he said.

“You know how much we love the game of basketball, so we’re happy that we’re there. We are ready to compete more.”

‘Sometimes I’m crazy’ 

Serbia will face either Canada or Slovenia in Friday’s semifinals.

They will be looking for another strong defensive effort after holding Lithuania to just 30 points in the second half.

Filip Petrusev helped his team’s effort by coming off the bench to score 17 points and claim six rebounds.

Bogdanovic is emerging as the leader of a team that is without the resting Nikola Jokic, who led the Denver Nuggets to last season’s NBA title and was named MVP of the Finals.

“I play a game of basketball on instinct, and sometimes I’m crazy, and sometimes I shoot too much, I know,” said Bogdanovic.

“Tonight was the way that I hope I play until the end of the tournament.”

Lithuania could not repeat the heroics they performed against the United States, whom they beat 110-104 in the second round.

Star man Jonas Valanciunas was held to 11 points as Serbia’s stifling defense smothered them out of the game.

Lithuania’s Tadas Sedekerskis, who led his team in scoring with 14 points, said the win over the US team did not take their minds off the prize.

“We came here to win a medal,” he said.

“We knew that if we wanted to do that, we had to beat Serbia today in the quarterfinals.

“The game against the United States, as you can see now, means nothing, just history.”

with reports from Carl Santos and Agence France-Presse