As we know, the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments are tricky competitions, in formats where the slightest misstep can be fatal.
New demonstration on the second day of competition, while the Croatiawho had nevertheless dominated Slovenia in their opening match, fell (90-86) to New Zealand. Ivica Zubac (29 points, 16 rebounds) was nevertheless monstrous under the circle, but Corey Webster (21 points) and his teammates took advantage of the Croatian collapse at the end of the match, like a Mario Hezonja (16 points at 6/22) next to his pumps…
In any case, this complicates matters for Luka Doncic's Slovenia, beaten by Croatia and who must now absolutely beat New Zealand by 11 points to get out of the group stages of this Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens.
Another major surprise in Riga, where the Latvia fell in front of the Philippines. Behind Justin Brownlee (26 points at 8/20, 9 rebounds and 9 assists), the Gilas even pointed to +26 in the third quarter, but the Baltics managed to limit the damage at the end (89-80). Nevertheless, this defeat is a bad move since they could meet Brazil in the first knockout match, while we recall that the winner of this Latvian TQO will be transferred to the French group during the Paris Olympic Games.
With 32 points at 11/11 shooting in 18 minutes, Giannis Antetokounmpo did not make any detail against the Dominican Republic (109-82) while the Bahamas won their second match, beating the Poland (90-81).
Athens TQO
Croatia – New Zealand: 86-90
Greece – Dominican Republic: 109-82
Valencia TQO
Spain – Angola: 89-81
Bahamas – Poland: 90-81
San Juan TQO
Lithuania – Ivory Coast: 97-93
Puerto Rico – Bahrain: 99-56
Riga Olympic Games
Latvia – Philippines: 80-89
Montenegro – Cameroon: 70-66
The third and final day of the group stages will therefore give the final tables of the four TQOs. In Valencia, we will therefore have to follow closely the matches Angola – Lebanon and Poland – Finland.
In Riga, Georgia and Cameroon are condemned to the feat, respectively against the Philippines and Brazil while Luka Doncic and Slovenia must for their part at all costs win by at least 11 points against New Zealand to see the rest of the competition, in Athens…
In San Juan, the match between Puerto Rico and Italy has the feel of a semi-final, while the duel between Mexico and Ivory Coast will determine who will emerge from the other group, along with Lithuania.
