In a commanding performance, Giannis Antetokounmpo spearheaded Greece to a resounding 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Group B stage of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Piraeus, Greece. Antetokounmpo's stellar play, highlighted by a perfect 11-of-11 from the field and a total of 32 points in just 19 minutes, left fans and spectators in awe.
Antetokounmpo's contribution didn't stop at scoring. His proficiency at the free-throw line, hitting 9 of his 13 attempts, and sinking his only three-point shot, demonstrated his all-around offensive prowess. Commenting on Antetokounmpo's attitude, Vassilis Spanoulis noted, "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."
Adding to Greece's triumph, Thomas Walkup pitched in with an impressive 17 points, ensuring that Greece led by as many as 27 points during the game. The victory sets the stage for an essential showdown with Egypt on Thursday, a match they must win to advance to the semifinal round.
Worldwide Olympic Qualifiers
The Piraeus tournament is part of a larger series of Olympic qualifying contests occurring concurrently in Latvia, Puerto Rico, and Spain. These qualifiers will determine four participants for the men's basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Group play across all venues wraps up Thursday, with semifinal matches scheduled for Saturday and championship clashes on Sunday.
Further action in Piraeus saw New Zealand edge out Croatia 90-86 in a hard-fought Group A game. Corey Webster and Shea Ili led the Kiwis with 21 and 18 points, respectively. Ili's critical layup in the final minute sealed New Zealand's victory. Despite a valiant 29-point effort from Ivica Zubac alongside his 16 rebounds, Croatia's path to the semifinals remains contingent on Slovenia's performance. Dario Saric, reflecting on Croatia's effort, stated, "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."
Latvian Drama Unfolds
Meanwhile, in Riga, Latvia, Montenegro triumphed over Cameroon 70-66. Marko Simonovic's 18 points and six rebounds, combined with Nikola Vucevic's 11 points and 14 rebounds, were pivotal. Montenegro showcased a balanced scoring attack, placing five players in double figures and converting 20 out of their 24 free-throw attempts.
Cameroon's Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each scored 14 points in a game that saw Montenegro lead narrowly, 32-29, at halftime.
Spain's Success and Bahamas' Brilliance
Over in Valencia, Spain, the Bahamas advanced to the knockout round with a 2-0 record in Group B. Valdez Edgecombe Jr. led with 21 points, while Deandre Ayton added 18 points and nine rebounds. The team's outstanding 13 three-pointers and 24 assists on 31 field goals underscored a well-coordinated offensive effort. Buddy Hield's near double-double of 17 points and 10 assists further solidified their standing. The clash between Poland and Finland will decide which team joins the Bahamas in the semifinals.
Elsewhere in Valencia, the Philippines secured an 89-80 win against Latvia. Justin Brownlee's near triple-double of 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, alongside Kai Sotto's 18 points and eight rebounds, propelled the Philippines to victory. Despite a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit trimmed to 10 by Latvia, Rodions Kurucs's 18 points weren't enough to close the gap.
Spanish Dominance and Angola's Aspirations
In a fiercely contested matchup, Spain overcame Angola 89-81. Santiago Aldama and Willy Hernangomez were instrumental, contributing 24 and 22 points, respectively, with Hernangomez also grabbing 10 rebounds. For Angola, Jilson Bango scored 15 points and recorded nine rebounds. To advance alongside Spain, Angola faces a must-win game against Lebanon.