Giannis Antetokounmpo put on an electrifying performance to propel Greece to a commanding 109-82 triumph over the Dominican Republic in Piraeus' Olympic qualifying tournament Group B stage. The Greek sensation delivered a jaw-dropping 32 points in just 19 minutes of action, an impressive feat underscoring his dominance on the court.
Displaying impeccable accuracy, Antetokounmpo converted all 11 of his field goal attempts, made 9 of 13 free throws, and sank his only three-point shot. Such a performance was instrumental in Greece's dominance, which saw them lead by as many as 27 points during the game. Thomas Walkup also contributed significantly with 17 points, adding depth to the Greek squad's offensive prowess.
Despite the decisive victory, Greece's journey in the tournament is far from over. They face a crucial match against Egypt on Thursday, a game they must win to secure a spot in the semifinal round. The qualifiers in Greece are part of a broader series of tournaments being held in Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain, designed to determine four participants for the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Group play at all four venues is set to conclude on Thursday, paving the way for semifinal matches on Saturday and championship games on Sunday, setting the stage for a gripping weekend of basketball action.
New Zealand Edges Croatia
In Group A action from Piraeus, New Zealand secured a nail-biting 90-86 win over Croatia, thanks in large part to clutch performances from Corey Webster and Shea Ili, who scored 21 and 18 points, respectively. Ili's layup in the final minute proved decisive, sealing the win for New Zealand.
Despite a valiant effort by Ivica Zubac, who scored 29 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, Croatia fell short. Contributions from Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja were noteworthy but ultimately insufficient. Croatia's four-point differential, however, ensures their place in the semifinals if Slovenia does not defeat New Zealand by 21 points or more. Croatia has already proven their mettle with a 108-92 victory over Slovenia in a previous matchup.
Montenegro Survives Cameroon’s Challenge
Over in Riga, Latvia, Montenegro managed to hold off Cameroon with a 70-66 victory. Marko Simonovic led the charge with 18 points and six rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic added a solid 11 points and 14 rebounds. Montenegro's balanced scoring attack, with five players reaching double figures, was key to their success. Their reliability at the charity stripe, hitting 20 of 24 free-throws, provided the margin needed to secure the win.
For Cameroon, Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each contributed 14 points, making notable efforts to keep their team in the contest, though falling short in the end.
Bahamas Advance in Spain
Over in Valencia, Spain, the Bahamas booked their place in the knockout round, led by Valdez Edgecombe Jr.'s 21 points. Deandre Ayton's impressive 18 points and nine rebounds, combined with Buddy Hield's 17 points and 10 assists, underscored the team's collective effort. The Bahamas' proficiency beyond the arc, with 13 successful three-pointers, and their ability to share the ball effectively, recording 24 assists on 31 field goals, set them apart.
With a 2-0 record in Group B, the Bahamas await the outcome of the matchup between Poland and Finland to determine who will join them in the semifinals.
Philippines Triumph Over Latvia
In another Group B encounter, the Philippines overcame Latvia 89-80. Justin Brownlee’s near triple-double performance, with 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, was instrumental in their victory. Kai Sotto chipped in with 18 points and eight rebounds, helping the Philippines withstand a late surge from Latvia, who trimmed a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to just 10 points. Rodions Kurucs's 18 points for Latvia provided a silver lining in an otherwise tough outing.
Spain Handles Angola
Spain held off Angola 89-81, with Santiago Aldama's 24 points and Willy Hernangomez's double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds powering the Spanish side. Despite a strong showing from Jilson Bango, who recorded 15 points and nine rebounds, Angola now faces a must-win game against Lebanon to join Spain in the knockout round.
As the road to Paris 2024 intensifies, the stakes are higher, promising a thrilling few days of elite basketball competition.