FIBA World Cup 2019: Power Rankings heading into the quarter-finals

#2 Serbia

Serbia suffered a surprise defeat to Spain after easing to victory in its first four games

Serbia started the World Cup as the favorites, and the team lived up to expectations by recording dominant victories in each of their four opening games. However, the Serbians' excellent start was halted on Sunday during a surprise loss to Spain. Nikola Jokic was ejected in the third quarter after picking up two technical fouls, although the Spanish were already in control as Serbia struggled to stop a talented Spanish backcourt.

While the team has used its strength and height advantage to bully the tournament's minnows, the Serbians won't be able to rely on this strategy in the knockout round, and the team must find a different way to win. Due to this, the Serbians are no longer the favorites, although the form of Bogdan Bogdanovic and the presence of Jokic keeps them in contention.