The Olympic qualifying tournaments in basketball showcased thrilling competition across various global arenas, featuring standout performances and pivotal results that inch several teams closer to a coveted spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Giannis Shines as Greece Dominates
Giannis Antetokounmpo put on a masterclass performance, leading Greece to a resounding 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Group B stage of the Piraeus, Greece, Olympic qualifying tournament. In just 19 minutes of play, Antetokounmpo scored an astounding 32 points, making all 11 of his field goal attempts. He also went 9-of-13 from the free-throw line and sank his only three-point attempt. His dominant performance was pivotal in Greece leading by as many as 27 points during the game.
Vassilis Spanoulis, reflecting on Giannis' contribution, remarked, "Giannis loves to be here. He loves to represent his country. He's very humble. He's part of the team. For a superstar, you don't find this easy. ... He's about winning."
Thomas Walkup also contributed significantly to Greece's victory with 17 points. Greece now faces a crucial match against Egypt on Thursday, needing a win to advance to the semifinal round. The qualifiers in Greece are part of a larger series of tournaments taking place in Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain, which will determine four participants in the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
New Zealand Edges Croatia in Thriller
In Group A action in Piraeus, New Zealand secured a narrow 90-86 victory over Croatia. Corey Webster and Shea Ili were instrumental in the win, scoring 21 and 18 points, respectively. Ili's layup in the final minute sealed the triumph for New Zealand. For Croatia, Ivica Zubac had an impressive performance, scoring 29 points and recording 16 rebounds, with notable contributions from Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja.
Dario Saric reflected on the challenge, saying, "It was a tough spot playing after an emotional win over Slovenia. We were hoping we'd be on a level and push the game in our direction. But today wasn't the case."
Despite the loss, Croatia can still advance to the semifinals, provided Slovenia doesn't defeat New Zealand by 21 points or more. Croatia previously secured a 108-92 win over Slovenia, which helps their differential prospects.
Montenegro Overcomes Cameroon in Latvia
Over in Riga, Latvia, Montenegro managed a 70-66 victory against Cameroon. Marko Simonovic led Montenegro with 18 points and six rebounds, supported by a collective effort with five players reaching double figures. Nikola Vucevic also made a notable contribution, scoring 11 points and recording 14 rebounds. Montenegro's accuracy from the free-throw line, hitting 20 out of 24 attempts, was crucial in this tight contest.
Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each scored 14 points for Cameroon, keeping the game competitive until the end.
Bahamas Advances in Valencia
The Bahamas showcased their prowess in Valencia, Spain, advancing to the knockout round with stellar performances. Valdez Edgecombe Jr. led the team with 21 points, while Deandre Ayton scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds. The Bahamas exhibited precise shooting from beyond the arc, making 13 three-pointers, and a balanced offensive strategy with 24 assists on 31 field goals. Buddy Hield added 17 points and recorded 10 assists, contributing to the Bahamas maintaining an unbeaten 2-0 record in Group B.
The final spot in the semifinals from Group B will be determined in the matchup between Poland and Finland.
Philippines, Spain Secure Wins
The Philippines emerged victorious over Latvia with an 89-80 win, thanks to impressive performances from Justin Brownlee and Kai Sotto. Brownlee amassed 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, while Sotto added 18 points and eight rebounds. Despite Latvia trimming a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to 10 points, led by Rodions Kurucs' 18 points, it wasn't enough to overturn the result.
In another exciting matchup, Spain defeated Angola 89-81. Santiago Aldama and Willy Hernangomez were standout performers for Spain, scoring 24 and 22 points respectively, with Hernangomez also grabbing 10 rebounds. Angola's Jilson Bango put up a fight with 15 points and nine rebounds, but the team now needs a victory over Lebanon to advance to the knockout round along with Spain.
Upcoming Matches
With group play concluding on Thursday and the semifinal matches scheduled for Saturday, teams are gearing up for the final push towards the championship games on Sunday. The intensity and dedication on display underscore the importance of these qualifiers, as nations vie for the chance to compete on the grand stage at the Paris Olympics.
Reuben Te Rangi captured the spirit of the competition perfectly, declaring, "It was a gutsy win for our team," a sentiment that resonates across the nations competing fiercely for Olympic glory.