In a commanding display of skill and determination, Giannis Antetokounmpo propelled Greece to a resounding 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Group B stage of the Olympic qualifying tournament held in Piraeus, Greece. Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak, delivered an awe-inspiring performance, scoring 32 points in just 19 minutes of play.
Demonstrating near-flawless execution, Antetokounmpo hit all 11 of his field goal attempts and showed prowess at the free-throw line, going 9-of-13. Complementing his already stellar performance, he sank his only three-point attempt of the game. It was a display that underscored his dominance in international basketball, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Greece built a significant lead, at one point outpacing the Dominican Republic by 27 points. This overwhelming advantage was not solely due to Antetokounmpo’s efforts. Thomas Walkup stepped up, contributing 17 points, showcasing the depth and versatility of the Greek squad. Such comprehensive team play has set Greece on a path toward potential qualification, with just a victory over Egypt needed on Thursday to advance to the semifinal round. "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," expressed Vassilis Spanoulis, reflecting the collective admiration and respect for Antetokounmpo’s commitment and attitude.
The qualifiers in Greece are part of a broader series of tournaments also taking place in Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain. These events are pivotal, with four participants in the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics to be determined from these qualifiers. Group play across all four venues is set to conclude on Thursday, with semifinal matches slated for Saturday and the championship games on Sunday.
New Zealand Keeps Olympic Hopes Alive
In another riveting Group A matchup in Piraeus, New Zealand edged past Croatia with a 90-86 triumph. Corey Webster and Shea Ili led the charge for New Zealand, scoring 21 and 18 points, respectively. Ili’s crucial layup in the final minute sealed the win, exemplifying the resilience and tenacity of the New Zealand team.
On the Croatian side, Ivica Zubac put forth a valiant effort with 29 points and 16 rebounds, supported by notable contributions from Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja. Despite Croatia’s loss, their four-point differential keeps their semifinal hopes alive, contingent on Slovenia not surpassing New Zealand by 21 points or more. Reflecting on the outcome, Saric noted, "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."
Montenegro Outlasts Cameroon in Riga
In Riga, Latvia, Montenegro secured a narrow 70-66 victory over Cameroon. Marko Simonovic was instrumental, scoring 18 points and pulling down six rebounds, as Montenegro had five players scoring in double figures. The Montenegro team maintained a slim 32-29 lead at halftime and solidified it by converting 20 of 24 free-throw attempts. Nikola Vucevic added 11 points and 14 rebounds, underscoring his importance to the team’s success.
For Cameroon, Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each scored 14 points, showcasing their potential and competitive spirit despite the loss.
Bahamas Takes a Leap Forward in Valencia
In Valencia, Spain, the Bahamas advanced to the knockout round with a commanding performance. Valdez Edgecombe Jr. led the charge with 21 points, while Deandre Ayton added 18 points and nine rebounds. The Bahamas' impressive teamwork was evidenced by their 13 successful three-pointers and 24 assists on 31 field goals. Buddy Hield also shone, scoring 17 points and recording 10 assists.
Holding a 2-0 record in Group B, the Bahamas awaits the outcome of the Poland-Finland clash, which will determine who joins them in the semifinals.
The Philippines Prevail Over Latvia
In another decisive game, the Philippines recorded an 89-80 victory over Latvia. Justin Brownlee played a pivotal role, scoring 26 points with nine rebounds and nine assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. Kai Sotto also contributed significantly with 18 points and eight rebounds. Despite Latvia cutting a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to just 10 points, the Philippines held on, buoyed by Rodions Kurucs' 18-point effort for Latvia.
Spain Overcomes Angola
In a closely fought contest, Spain defeated Angola 89-81. Santiago Aldama’s 24 points and Willy Hernangomez’s double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds spearheaded Spain's attack. Angola's Jilson Bango put up a strong fight with 15 points and nine rebounds. With Spain securing their advance, Angola now faces a crucial matchup against Lebanon to vie for a spot in the knockout round.
The intense competition across various venues highlights the stakes and quality of play in these Olympic qualifying tournaments. As teams battle for a coveted place in the 2024 Paris Olympics, the coming days promise more thrilling matchups and unforgettable performances.