In a commanding performance, Giannis Antetokounmpo powered Greece to a resounding 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Group B stage of the Piraeus, Greece, Olympic qualifying tournament. The Greek Freak was unstoppable, netting 32 points in just 19 minutes while maintaining a perfect 11-for-11 record from the field. He also demonstrated his versatility by going 9-of-13 from the free-throw line and sinking his only three-point attempt.
Thomas Walkup supported Antetokounmpo's heroic efforts with a notable 17 points, as Greece surged ahead by as many as 27 points during the contest. For a nation deeply passionate about basketball, victories like these are more than just wins; they're a matter of national pride. Greece now faces a must-win situation against Egypt on Thursday to secure a spot in the semifinal round.
The Olympic qualifiers being held across four locations—Greece, Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain—are drawing attention worldwide. The stakes are high, as only four nations will earn a place in the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Group play at all four venues wraps up on Thursday, followed by the semifinals on Saturday and the championship games on Sunday.
New Zealand's Narrow Escape
In Group A action from Piraeus, New Zealand eked out a thrilling 90-86 win over Croatia. Corey Webster and Shea Ili were instrumental, scoring 21 and 18 points, respectively. Ili's clutch layup in the final minute sealed the deal for New Zealand. "It was a gutsy win for our team," noted Reuben Te Rangi, capturing the resilience displayed by New Zealand throughout the game.
Ivica Zubac was a standout for Croatia, contributing 29 points and 16 rebounds. Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja also made significant contributions, yet it wasn't enough to get past the New Zealand squad. As it stands, Croatia holds a crucial four-point differential, securing their semifinal spot unless Slovenia manages to defeat New Zealand by a staggering 21 points or more. Reflecting on the match, Saric commented, "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 Overcomes Cameroon in Riga
Over in Latvia, Montenegro triumphed over Cameroon with a narrow 70-66 victory. Marko Simonovic paced Montenegro with 18 points and six rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic added 11 points and an impressive 14 rebounds. Montenegro's team effort was on display as five players cracked double figures. Their free-throw accuracy, hitting 20 out of 24 attempts, played a crucial role in the win.
For Cameroon, Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each scored 14 points, but Montenegro's robust halftime lead of 32-29 proved insurmountable.
Bahamas Advance in Valencia
The Bahamas secured their place in the knockout round in Valencia, Spain. Valdez Edgecombe Jr. led all scorers with 21 points, while NBA star Deandre Ayton added 18 points and nine rebounds to the Bahamas' tally. Their shooting was on target, making 13 successful three-pointers and recording 24 assists on 31 field goals. Buddy Hield chipped in with 17 points and 10 assists, showcasing the team's balanced attack. With a sterling 2-0 record in Group B, the Bahamas now await the result of the Poland and Finland game to determine their semifinal opponent.
Philippines and Spain Make Statements
The Philippines put on a splendid display to defeat Latvia 89-80. Justin Brownlee was the star of the show with 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Kai Sotto contributed 18 points and eight rebounds, holding off a late Latvian surge led by Rodions Kurucs, who scored 18 points.
In another key matchup, Spain bested Angola 89-81. Santiago Aldama led Spain with 24 points, supported by Willy Hernangomez, who posted a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Jilson Bango led Angola with 15 points and nine rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Spain's prowess. Angola must now defeat Lebanon to join Spain in the knockout round.
As players leave everything on the court in these final games, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable series of matchups leading to the grand finale. For Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece, the journey continues with the same drive and determination that have made them a formidable force.