For the first time since 2004, Puerto Rico qualifies for the Olympic Games, and as in Athens, it will be to be in the United States group. At home, the teammates of an exceptional Jose Alvarado (23 points) win 79-68 against Domantas Sabonis' Lithuania. As in 2021, the Lithuanians will not be there for the Olympics, and they cracked after the break after a balanced first half.
Tremont Waters hits two 3-pointers and Alvarado scores seven points in a row to launch a 13-2 run. In the wake of its star tandem, Puerto Rico then takes a 13-point lead. Clumsy at 3-pointers (21%), Lithuania lacks a second knife to support a diminished Sabonis (10 points), and it is Gian Clavell who drives the nail in at the start of the 4th quarter (67-52).
Buoyed by an incredible crowd and a decisive 3-point shooting (48%), Puerto Rico managed its lead until the end, to confirm the domination of the host countries, after the qualifications of Spain and Greece. Only Latvia, without Kristaps Porzingis, failed, dominated by Brazil in Riga.
GROUPS FOR THE 2024 JO
Group A : Spain, Australia, Canada, Greece
Group B : Germany, Brazil, FRANCE, Japan
Group C : United States, Serbia, Puerto Rico, South Sudan
