Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his dominance once more, leading Greece to a commanding 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Group B stage of the Piraeus, Greece, Olympic qualifying tournament. Antetokounmpo's stellar performance featured 32 points in just 19 minutes on the court, a testament to his efficiency and skill.
Antetokounmpo's flawless execution was on full display; he made all 11 of his field goal attempts and sank his only three-pointer. From the free-throw line, he went 9-of-13, adding to his impressive scoring tally. His contributions didn't stop there as his presence on the court seemed to lift his teammates.
“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,” said Greece coach Vassilis Spanoulis, highlighting the NBA star's commitment to his national team.
Thomas Walkup also played a significant role for Greece, adding 17 points to the scoreboard. At one point, Greece led by as many as 27 points, showcasing their dominance throughout the game. Greece now looks ahead to their match against Egypt on Thursday, a crucial game that will determine their advancement to the semifinal round.
New Zealand Edges Croatia in a Thriller
In Group A action in Piraeus, New Zealand secured a narrow 90-86 victory over Croatia. Corey Webster and Shea Ili were pivotal, scoring 21 and 18 points respectively. Ili's decisive layup in the final minute ensured New Zealand held on for the win.
Ivica Zubac was a force for Croatia, contributing 29 points and 16 rebounds. Despite the loss, Croatia's previous win over Slovenia, 108-92, keeps their semifinal hopes alive, contingent on Slovenia not defeating New Zealand by a margin of 21 points or more.
Dario Saric recognized the challenge they faced, stating, “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 Triumphs Over Cameroon
In Riga, Latvia, Montenegro emerged victorious against Cameroon with a 70-66 win. Marko Simonovic led the charge with 18 points and six rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic added a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
Montenegro's balanced attack was evident as five players scored in double figures. Their proficiency from the free-throw line, converting 20-of-24 attempts, proved to be a difference-maker. Cameroon, despite valiant efforts from Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe, who each scored 14 points, couldn’t overcome Montenegro’s robust defense and teamwork.
Bahamas Advance in Valencia
The Bahamas secured their spot in the knockout round in Valencia, Spain, boasting a 2-0 record in Group B. Valdes Edgecombe Jr. led the way with 21 points, supported by Deandre Ayton’s 18 points and nine rebounds. The team’s impressive shooting from beyond the arc, with 13 successful three-pointers, and their 24 assists on 31 field goals highlighted their cohesive play.
Buddy Hield also contributed significantly, scoring 17 points and dishing out 10 assists. As the Bahamas await their semifinal opponent, the clash between Poland and Finland will decide who joins them.
Philippines and Spain Secure Wins
The Philippines scored an 89-80 win over Latvia, fueled by Justin Brownlee's near triple-double of 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Kai Sotto added 18 points and eight rebounds, helping the Philippines maintain their lead despite Latvia cutting a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit down to 10 points. Rodions Kurucs led Latvia with 18 points in a spirited effort.
In another matchup, Spain emerged victorious over Angola, 89-81. Santiago Aldama led Spain with 24 points, while Willy Hernangomez recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Jilson Bango tried to keep Angola in the game with 15 points and nine rebounds, but it wasn’t enough. Angola now faces a must-win scenario against Lebanon to move forward.
As the stakes rise, the coming days promise thrilling basketball action across Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain, determining which teams will punch their tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics.