Eurobasket.com All-Olympic Games Awards 2016 - Aug 22, 2016
Eurobasket.com All-Olympic Games 1st Team 2016
Teodosic
Mills
Durant
Gasol
Raduljica
Best Player: Kevin Durant (6'9''-SF-88) of USA Best Guard: Patrick Mills (6'0''-PG-88) of Australia Best Forward: Kevin Durant (6'9''-SF-88) of USA Best Center: Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) of Spain
Rio 2016: USA clinch third consecutive Olympic Gold - Aug 21, 2016
Team USA - Serbia 96:66
Team USA earned the third straight Olympic Gold. They cruised past Serbia in the championship game tonight. Kevin Durant (206-SF-88, college: Texas) was unstoppable with 30 points for the champions. Serbia were able to keep up with the USA for the bigger part of the first period. However Team USA capped the quarter on an 8:1 run to take a 19:15 lead. The North American side stepped on the gas in the second frame. Kevin Durant drained 18 points in the period as Team USA opened a comfortable 52:29 halftime lead. They extended the lead in the third term. The North American side dominated rallying to a 36-point lead at the final intermission. Team USA allowed Serbia to cut the deficit in the fourth frame cruising to a convincing victory. DeMarcus Cousins (211-C/F-90, college: Kentucky) finished with 13 points and 15 rebounds, while Klay Thompson (201-G-90, college: Washington St.) added 12 points for the champions. Nemanja Nedovic (191-PG-91, agency: BeoBasket) answered with 14 points for Serbia. Milan Macvan (206-PF-89) tossed in 11 points in the defeat.
Semifinals are all set in Rio de Janeiro - Aug 18, 2016
USA - Argentina 105-78 Team USA booked their tickets into the semifinal stage in Rio. They thumped Argentina in the quarterfinal clash on Wednesday. Kevin Durant (206-SF-88, college: Texas) provided 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists to pace the effort. Argentina got to a quick start. The Latin American powerhouse built a 19:9 lead midway through the opening quarter. But Team USA picked up the tempo gradually. They finished the period on a strong run to secure a 25:21 lead. Team USA dropped 31 points in the second quarter and started to get away. They stayed red hot offensively in the third period. The North American team secured a comfortable 87:61 lead heading into the fourth quarter. They never looked back afterwards cruising to the win. Paul George (206-G/F-90, college: Fresno St.) delivered 17 points, while DeMarcus Cousins (211-C/F-90, college: Kentucky) added 15 points for the winners. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) responded with 15 points and 10 boards for Argentina. Manu Ginobili (198-G-77, agency: Interperformances) tossed in 14 points and handed out 7 assists in the loss.
Croatia - Serbia 83-86 Serbia will play at the semifinal stage in Rio de Janeiro. Sasa Djordjevic team held off their Balkan rivals Croatia in the quarterfinal game. Bogdan Bogdanovic (198-G/F-92) scored 18 points to pace the winners. Serbia eked out a 20:19 lead ten minutes into the game. Croatia quickly denied the deficit. They held Serbia to just 12 points in the second term to take a 38:32 halftime lead. However Serbia entered the second half firing from all guns. They unleashed 34 points in the third quarter to secure a 14-point lead at the final break. Croatia used a strong rally in the fourth period to pull within one late in regulation. But Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88), Milos Teodosic and Nikola Jokic (209-C-95, agency: BeoBasket) were deadly from the stripe in the dying seconds and sealed the victory for Serbia. Stefan Markovic (196-G-88), Miroslav Raduljica and Nikola Jokic finished with 12 points each for the winners. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SF-89, agency: XL Basketball Agency) answered with game-high 28 points for Croatia. Mario Hezonja (202-G/F-95) had 16 points and 8 rebounds in the defeat.
Spain - France 92-67 Spain eased into the semifinal stage in Rio de Janeiro. They fended off France in the quarterfinal clash tonight. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) stepped up with 23 points hitting 5 three pointers to lead the winners. Spain dominated from start to finish in this one. They secured a 19:16 lead after the opening quarter. les Bleues could not keep up the pace in the second frame. Spain stormed to a 43:30 halftime advantage. They stayed aggressive throughout the third term. Spain unloaded 26 points in the quarter to take a 20-point lead at the final intermission. France just could not find the rhythm this evening as Spain cruised to the victory in the final period. Guillermo Hernangomez (210-C-94) had 16 points, while Sergio Llull (190-SG-87) added 10 points for the winners. Tony Parker (188-PG-82) responded with 14 points for France. Nando De Colo (196-SG-87) had 13 points in the defeat.
Australia - Lithuania 90-64 Australia once again proved their excellent form at the Olympic tournament. They thumped Lithuania in the quarterfinal clash in Rio de Janeiro. Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) stepped up with 24 points to lead the winners. Australia opened the game with six straight points to set the tone. Patrick Mills gave the Boomers an 18:9 lead midway through the period. Australia entered the second quarter up by 9 points 26:17. Australia stayed dominant in the second period. They held Lithuania to just 13 points in the quarter to race to a 48:30 halftime lead. The Europeans pulled within 13 points early in the third term but not for long. Australia quickly regained the composure and marched to a 70:43 lead heading into the fourth term. The Aussies allowed the started to take a breather in the fourth quarter and rallied to the victory. Aron Baynes (208-C-86, college: Washington St.) netted 16 points, while Matthew Dellavedova (193-G-90, college: St.Mary's, CA) added 15 points for the winners. Mantas Kalnietis (195-PG-86, agency: Players Group) and Antanas Kavaliauskas (208-C-84, college: Texas A&M, agency: Interperformances) responded with 12 points each for Lithuania.
Rio 2016: Spain send France packing - Aug 17, 2016
Spain - France 92:67
Spain eased into the semifinal stage in Rio de Janeiro. They fended off France in the quarterfinal clash tonight. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) stepped up with 23 points hitting 5 three pointers to lead the winners. Spain dominated from start to finish in this one. They secured a 19:16 lead after the opening quarter. les Bleues could not keep up the pace in the second frame. Spain stormed to a 43:30 halftime advantage. They stayed aggressive throughout the third term. Spain unloaded 26 points in the quarter to take a 20-point lead at the final intermission. France just could not find the rhythm this evening as Spain cruised to the victory in the final period. Guillermo Hernangomez (210-C-94) had 16 points, while Sergio Llull (190-SG-87) added 10 points for the winners. Tony Parker (188-PG-82) responded with 14 points for France. Nando De Colo (196-SG-87) had 13 points in the defeat.
Quarterfinals are set in Rio de Janeiro - Aug 16, 2016
Group B
Lithuania - Croatia 81-90 Croatia marched past Lithuania to earn the top position in Group B. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SF-89, agency: XL Basketball Agency) delivered 22 points to lead the winners. Lithuania jumped to a 21:13 lead ten minutes into the game. But Croatia responded with a 34-point effort in the second term to open a 47:41 halftime advantage. Croatia ignited a 28:14 rally in the third term to clear off to a 20-point distance. Lithuania poured in 26 points in the fourth term but could not avoid the defeat. Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) produced 19 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists in the victory. Mantas Kalnietis (195-PG-86, agency: Players Group) responded with 26 points and 11 assists for Lithuania. Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84) had 18 points in the loss.
Spain - Argentina 92-73 Spain cruised past Argentina to claim the second place in Group B. Rudy Fernandez (197-SF-85) nailed 23 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the winners. Spain established a 25:15 lead after ten minutes. They extended the margin at 13-point mark at the interval 48:35. Spain sank 23 points in the third term to stay in front. They did not loosen the grasp in the fourth quarter and rallied to the victory. Pau Gasol finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds in the win. Nicolas Laprovittola (193-PG-90) responded with 21 points for Argentina. Manu Ginobili (198-G-77, agency: Interperformances) had 16 points in the loss.
Nigeria - Brazil 69-86 Brazil wrapped up the preliminary round campaign with victory. They rallied past Nigeria to earn the second victory in Group B. However it was not enough for the hosts to make it into the playoffs. Nene Hilario (211-C-82) posted 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Brazil fired 27 points in the second term to take an 11-point halftime advantage. Brazil followed with a 27:17 rally in the final stanza to ice the victory. Vitor Benite (191-SG-90, agency: Interperformances) had 15 points in the winning case. Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (180-PG-86, college: CS Fullerton) responded with 16 points for Nigeria.
Day 9 in Rio de Janeiro - Aug 15, 2016
Group A
Australia - Venezuela 81-56 Australia clinched the fourth win in Group A. They Boomers eased past Venezuela to earn the second position. Chris Goulding (192-G-88) came off the bench to score 22 points for the winners. Australia held Venezuela to just 6 points in the opening quarter to take a 10-point lead. They fired 49 points in the second half to march to the victory. Joe Ingles (203-SF-87) netted 11 points for the winning side. Anthony Perez (206-F-93) responded with 12 points for Venezuela. David Cubillan (181-PG-87, college: Marquette, agency: Pro Sports) had 10 points in the loss.
USA - France 100-97 Team USA earned the fifth straight win in Rio de Janeiro. They toppled France to earn the top position in Group A. Klay Thompson (201-G-90, college: Washington St.) nailed 30 points for the winners. Team USA exploded with 55 points in the first half to take a 9-point halftime lead. They extended the gap at 12-point mark heading into the fourth term. France poured in 28 points in the final period to narrow the deficit at the end. Kevin Durant (206-SF-88, college: Texas) tallied 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Thomas Heurtel (189-PG-89, agency: BeoBasket) and Nando De Colo (196-SG-87) responded with 18 points each as France finished third in the pool.
Serbia - China 94-60 Serbia cruised past China to finish in the fourth position in Group A. Bogdan Bogdanovic (198-G/F-92) scored 19 points to lead the winners. Serbia dominated from start to finish. They secured a 24:18 lead after ten minutes. The margin grew at 15-point mark at the interval. Serbia unloaded 35 points in the third term to clear off for good. Nikola Kalinic (202-F-91) produced 15 points for the European team. Yi Jianlian (212-PF-87) responded with 20 points for China as they fell at 0-5 record.
Day 8 in Rio de Janeiro - Aug 14, 2016
Group B
Croatia - Nigeria 76-90 Nigeria celebrated the first victory at the Olympic tournament. The African powerhouse outgunned Croatia to stay in the race for the playoff birth. Michael Umeh (188-PG-84, college: UNLV) delivered 19 points to pace the winners. Croatia sank 28 points in the first period to open a 7-point lead. But Nigeria took over in the next periods. They surged ahead for a 43:39 halftime advantage. Nigeria poured in 47 points in the second half to get away with a crucial victory. Josh-Emmanuel Akognon (180-PG-86, college: CS Fullerton) netted 18 points, while Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma, agency: Two Points) added 14 points for the winners. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SF-89, agency: XL Basketball Agency) answered with 28 points for Croatia. Roko Ukic had 10 points in the loss.
Spain - Lithuania 109-59 Spain seem to have found the right rhythm. The European champions stormed past Lithuania to record the second victory in Group B. Pau Gasol (213-F/C-80) scored 23 points going 5/5 from behind the arc. Spain secured a 26:11 lead ten minutes into the game. They unleashed 61 points in the second half to cruise to the victory. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) provided 17 points, while Rudy Fernandez (197-SF-85) added 13 points in the win. Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-F-89) responded with 17 points for Lithuania as they fell at 3-1 record.
Argentina - Brazil 111-107 2OT Argentina survived a double-overtime thriller to tame hosting Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. Andres Nocioni (202-SF-79) was pivotal with 37 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Argentina climbed at 3-1 record following the win. Brazil ensured a 52:44 halftime lead. But Argentina held the hosts to just 13 points in the fourth term to send the game into overtime. The first extra period did not decide on the winner. However Argentina fired 16 points in the second one and posted a valuable win. Facundo Campazzo (179-PG-91) knocked down 33 points and issued 11 assists for the winners. Nene Hilario (211-C-82) responded with 24 points and 11 rebounds for Brazil. Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83) and Alex Garcia (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) had 14 points each in the loss.
Day 7 in Rio de Janeiro - Aug 13, 2016
Group A
France - Venezuela 96-56 France knocked down Venezuela en route to the third victory in Group A. Joffrey Lauvergne (210-PF-91, agency: BeoBasket) posted 17 points to pace the winners. France dominated from start to finish in this one. les Bleues recorded a 42:30 halftime lead. They followed with a stunning 54:26 second half run to ice the victory. Antoine Diot (193-PG-89, agency: Comsport) and Tony Parker (188-PG-82) provided 14 points each for the European team. Gregory Echenique (206-C-90, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 12 points for Venezuela.
USA - Serbia 94-91 Team USA withheld a tough challenge from the European powerhouse Serbia to eke out the fourth straight win in Rio de Janeiro. Kyrie Irving (190-G-92, college: Duke) scored 15 points to lead well-balanced effort from the USA. The North American team got to a strong start. They built a 27:15 lead ten minutes into the game. But Serbia gradually tuned in. They cut the deficit back to single digits in the second frame. Team USA maintained the lead throughout the third quarter but Serbia went on a strong rally in the final period pulling as close as three points. Bogdan Bogdanovic had a chance to send the game into overtime but missed a three-pointer at the buzzer. DeAndre Jordan (211-C-88, college: Texas A&M) accounted for 13 points for the winners. Nikola Jokic (209-C-95, agency: BeoBasket) responded with 25 points for Serbia. Milos Teodosic (195-PG-87) had 18 points and 6 assists for the losing side.
China - Australia 68-93 Australia cruised past China to gain the third victory in Group A. The Boomers went on a strong rally in the second half to secure the victory. Australia who rested Andrew Bogut jumped to a 44:34 halftime lead. They extended the margin at 15-point mark at the final break. Australia dropped 28 points in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Cameron Bairstow (206-F-90, college: N.Mexico) accounted for 17 points and 9 rebounds for the Boomers. Brock Motum (208-F/C-90, college: Washington St.) added 15 points in the win. Yi Jianlian (212-PF-87) responded with 20 points and 9 caroms for China.
Day 6 in Rio de Janeiro - Aug 12, 2016
Group B
Lithuania - Argentina 81-73 Lithuania went 3-0 in Rio de Janeiro. They beat Argentina to solidify their top position in Group B. Mindaugas Kuzminskas (205-F-89) nailed 23 points to lead the Baltic state. Lithuania eked out a 30:27 halftime lead. They sank 27 points in the third quarter to enter the fourth quarter up by 8 points. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the final period as Lithuania marched to the win. Mantas Kalnietis (195-PG-86, agency: Players Group) had 17 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds in the victory. Manu Ginobili (198-G-77, agency: Interperformances) responded with 22 points for Argentina. Andres Nocioni (202-SF-79) had 14 points in the defeat.
Nigeria - Spain 87-96 Spain finally picked up their first victory at the tournament. They beat Nigeria for 1-2 record in Group B. Pau Gasol (213-F/C-80) provided 16 points and 7 rebounds to lead the winners. Spain stormed into the game. They accumulated a 25:11 lead after ten minutes. Nigeria however picked up the tempo in the next periods. They unleashed 55 points in the next two quarters to pull ahead by one point. Spain bounced back with a 31:21 run in the fourth term to gain a valuable victory. Ricky Rubio (193-G-90) delivered 15 points for the winners. Chamberlain Oguchi (196-SG-86, college: Illinois St.) responded with 24 points for Nigeria.
Brazil - Croatia 76-80 Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SF-89, agency: XL Basketball Agency) nailed 33 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead propel Croatia past hosting Brazil in Group B. Croatia stayed in charge throughout the first half. The European side built a 41:31 halftime lead. Brazil however went on a determined comeback rally in the second half. The hosts pulled within three points late in regulation. But Dario Saric (207-PF-94, agency: BeoBasket) and Bojan Bogdanovic came up with key buckets and raced to the victory. Dario Saric posted 15 points and 7 rebounds as the winners improved at 2-1 record. Leandro Barbosa (190-PG-82) responded with 16 points for Brazil. Marquinhos Vieira (207-SF-84) had 12 points in the loss.
Day 5 in Rio de Janeiro - Aug 11, 2016
Group A
Venezuela - China 72-68 Venezuela opened win count in Rio de Janeiro. They topped China to improve at 1-2 record at the tournament. Nestor Colmenares (203-PF-87, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) delivered 16 points to lead the Latin American side. Venezuela jumped to a 25:13 lead after ten minutes. China pulled within 3 points at halftime though 35:38. The Asian powerhouse got as close as one point heading into the fourth period. But Venezuela sank 21 points in the final stanza and clinched a valuable victory at the end. Gregory Vargas (180-PG-86, agency: Pro Sports) had 13 points for the winners. Yi Jianlian (212-PF-87) responded with 18 points and 10 rebounds for China.
Australia - USA 88-98 Team USA recorded the third straight victory in Group A. They survived their toughest test so far claiming a difficult win over strong Australia. Carmelo Anthony (203-SF-84, college: Syracuse) connected for 31 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead the winners. Australia unleashed 54 points in the first half to gain a 5-point halftime lead. Team USA limited their opponents to 13 points in the third quarter to take a 3-point lead into the fourth quarter. Team USA went for 28 points in the fourth period and got away with the victory. Kyrie Irving (190-G-92, college: Duke) accounted for 19 points in the win. Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) responded with 30 points for Australia. Andrew Bogut (213-C-84, college: Utah) had 15 points in the loss.
Serbia - France 75-76 Tony Parker (188-PG-82) hit a jumper late in regulation to propel France past Serbia tonight. France improved at 2-1 record, while dropping Serbia at 1-2 in Group A. Nando De Colo (196-SG-87) stepped up with 22 points to lead the winners. France opened the game on a 20:4 run. They secured a 26:17 lead ten minutes into the game. Serbia however responded with a strong rally in the next two quarters to secure a 3-point lead at the final intermission. They led by five points heading into the final three minutes of regulation. But Nando De Colo sank 4 points in a row and then Tony Parker nailed a jumper as France got away with a narrow victory. Joffrey Lauvergne (210-PF-91, agency: BeoBasket) had 12 points for the winners. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) responded with 16 points for Serbia.
Day 4 in Rio de Janeiro - Aug 10, 2016
Group B
Argentina - Croatia 90-82 Argentina fired past Croatia for the second consecutive win in Group B. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) posted 23 points and 9 rebounds in the victory. Argentina unloaded 46 points in the first half to jump to a 4-point lead. They triggered a massive 27:14 run in the third quarter to post a 17-point advantage. Croatia sank 28 points in the final period but just sweetened the pill at the end. Manu Ginobili (198-G-77, agency: Interperformances) and Nicolas Laprovittola (193-PG-90) accounted for 13 points each in the victory. Dario Saric (207-PF-94, agency: BeoBasket) answered with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists for Croatia.
Lithuania - Nigeria 89-80 Lithuania posted the second straight win in Rio. The Baltic team held off Nigeria for 2-0 record in Group B. Mantas Kalnietis (195-PG-86, agency: Players Group) and Jonas Maciulis (198-F/G-85) scored 21 points each to lead the winners. Nigeria got to the slightly better start. The African powerhouse grabbed a 41:36 halftime lead. But Lithuania responded with a 29:13 rally in the third term to spur ahead. Nigeria sank 26 points in the fourth stanza but could not avoid the loss. Renaldas Seibutis (196-SG-85) added 12 points for the winners. Diogu Ikechukwu (204-C/F-83, college: Arizona St.) responded with 19 points and 7 boards for Nigeria. Michael Umeh had 17 points in the loss.
Spain - Brazil 65-66 Brazil celebrated the first win in Rio de Janeiro. The hosts upset Spain for 1-1 record in Group B. Marcelinho Huertas (191-PG-83) chipped in 11 points, 7 assists and 4 boards for the home side. Brazil grabbed an 18:13 lead after ten minutes. They stretched the gap at 8-point mark heading into the fourth stanza. Spain denied the deficit as Sergio Llull (190-SG-87) put them in front late in regulation. But Marquinhos Vieira (207-SF-84) tipped the ball in to give the decisive lead to the home side. He finished with 10 points for Brazil. Pau Gasol (213-F/C-80) responded with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Spain.
Day 3 in Rio de Janeiro - Aug 9, 2016
Group A
France - China 88-60 France opened win count in Group A. They rolled past China to improve at 1-1 record. Nando De Colo (196-SG-87) provided 19 points to lead les Bleues. France eked out a 19:14 lead after the first ten minutes. They went on a 23:9 run in the second frame to extend the lead at 19-point mark. France followed with 46 points in the second half and raced to the win. Tony Parker (188-PG-82) had 14 points and 8 assists for France. Yi Jianlian (212-PF-87) responded with 19 points for China.
Serbia - Australia 80-95 Australia stayed on the winning track in Rio. The Boomers upset Serbia to improve at 2-0 record. Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) came up with 26 points to lead the winners. Australia jumped to a 26:23 lead at the first break. Serbia erased the deficit to take a 43:40 halftime lead. The teams stayed close throughout the third term. Serbia entered the fourth period up by a single point 63:62. But the Boomers unleashed 33 points in the fourth term and sealed the victory. Matthew Dellavedova (193-G-90, college: St.Mary's, CA) provided 23 points and 13 assists for the winners. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) responded with 25 points for Serbia. Milos Teodosic (195-PG-87) had 17 points in the loss.
USA - Venezuela 113-69 Team USA cruised to the second straight victory in Rio de Janeiro. They knocked down Venezuela to stay perfect. Paul George (206-G/F-90, college: Fresno St.) nailed 20 points to lead the winners. The teams were tied at 18 after ten minutes of action. However Team USA ignited a 30:8 run in the second frame to gain a comfortable 22-point lead at halftime. They exploded with 65 points in the second half and coasted to the win. Jimmy Butler delivered 17 points, while Kevin Durant added 16 points for the winners. John Cox (194-G-81, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 19 points for Venezuela. Gregory Echenique (206-C-90, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) had 18 points in the defeat.
Day 2 in Rio de Janeiro - Aug 8, 2016
Group B
Brazil - Lithuania 76-82 Lithuania secured the winning start to their Rio campaign. They upset hosting Brazil in Group B opener. Mantas Kalnietis (195-PG-86, agency: Players Group) finished with 16 points and 8 assists to lead the charge. Lithuania stormed into this one. They unloaded 58 points in the first half to pile up a massive 29-point halftime lead. But Brazil did not give that easily. The hosts went on a determined comeback rally in the second half. They pulled within 4 points late in regulation before Lithuania managed to stopped the rot and ice the victory. Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84) accounted for 15 points and 7 rebounds in the win. Leandro Barbosa (190-PG-82) responded with 21 points for Brazil. Raul Neto (185-PG-92) finished with 14 points in the loss.
Nigeria - Argentina 66-94 Argentina cruised past Nigeria in the opening game at the tournament. Facundo Campazzo (179-PG-91) came up with 19 points and 5 assists to pace the Latin American side. Argentina rallied to a comfortable 50:31 halftime lead. They poured in 44 points in the second half to ease to the victory. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds in the win. Diogu Ikechukwu (204-C/F-83, college: Arizona St.) responded with 15 points and 13 rebounds for Nigeria. Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma, agency: Two Points) had 14 points in the loss.
Croatia - Spain 72-70 Croatia opened win count in Rio de Janeiro. They shocked ambitious Spain in the opener. Bojan Bogdanovic (203-SF-89, agency: XL Basketball Agency) stepped up with 23 points to lead the winners. Spain got to a quick start. They grabbed a 21:13 lead after the first period. Croatia narrowed the distance at 6-point mark at the interval 32:38. Spain stretched the lead at 7-point mark heading into the fourth quarter. But Croatia used a furious 25:16 run in the fourth frame to get away with a narrow win at the end. Darko Planinic (210-C-90) contributed 11 points for the winners. Pau Gasol (213-F/C-80) responded with 26 points and 9 boards for Spain. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) had 19 points in the loss.
Day 1 in Rio de Janeiro - Aug 7, 2016
Group A
Venezuela - Serbia 62-86 Bogdan Bogdanovic (198-G/F-92) scored 19 points and Serbia overcame Venezuela in the starting game in Rio de Janeiro. It was rather a one-way traffic from start to finish. Serbia posted an 18:14 lead after the first period. The Europeans went on a 26:9 run in the second term to boost the gap at 21-point mark at halftime 44:23. Serbia drained 24 points in the third term to extend their lead. They kept Venezuela at distance throughout the fourth quarter marching to the win. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88) finished with 18 points for the winners. Jose Vargas (195-G/F-82, agency: Pro Sports) and Gregory Echenique (206-C-90, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 12 points each for Venezuela.
China - USA 62-119 Team USA had little troubles posting the first win in Rio de Janeiro. They cruised past China in the opener. Kevin Durant (206-SF-88, college: Texas) nailed 25 points, issued 6 assists and grabbed 4 rebounds to lead the winners. Team USA stunned China with a 30:10 run in the opening quarter. The North American side added 29 points in the second period to open a massive 59:30 halftime lead. Team USA unleashed 60 points in the second half to cruise to the win. DeMarcus Cousins (211-C/F-90, college: Kentucky) provided 17 points in the victory. Yi Jianlian (212-PF-87) responded with 25 points for China. Li Gen (196-F-88) had 7 points in the defeat.
Australia - France 87-66 Australia secured the winning start to their Olympic Games campaign. They beat mighty France in the opener. Patrick Mills (183-PG-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) stepped up with 21 points to lead the Boomers. Australia jumped to a 20:14 lead after the opening quarter. Les Bleues pulled within three points at halftime as Tony Parker sank 16 points in the second frame. But Australia regained control in the third quarter. The Boomers poured in 25 points to establish a 13-point lead heading into the fourth term. They dropped 26 points in the final stanza to ice the win. Andrew Bogut delivered 18 points for the winners. Tony Parker responded with 18 points for France. Mickael Gelabale (202-SF-83, agency: BeoBasket) had 13 points in the loss.
FIBA QT in Manila: France tame Canada to punch tickets to Rio - Jul 10, 2016
France - Canada 83:74
France became the final 12th participant of the Olympic Games in Brazil. They outgunned Canada in the Final of the Manila Qualifying Tournament to book the tickets. Tony Parker (188-PG-82) was pivotal with 26 points for Les Bleues. It was a close game throughout three periods. The teams got to a flying start. France sank 30 points in the opening stanza to take a 5-point lead. The tempo slowed down in the second term. Canada held their opponents to just 9 points to pull within 3 points at halftime 36:39. France maintained a narrow lead throughout the third term. Les Bleues entered the fourth frame up by 5 points 56:51. Tony Parker came up with 15 points in the final stanza and carried France to a crucial victory. Nando De Colo (196-SG-87) dropped 22 points, while Boris Diaw (203-PF-82) added 9 points for the winners. Cory Joseph (190-PG-91, college: Texas) responded with 20 points for Canada. Melvin Ejim (198-F-91, college: Iowa St.) provided 19 points in the defeat.
FIBA QT in Belgrade: Sublime Serbia triumph in Belgrade OQT Final to qualify for Olympics - Jul 9, 2016
Hosts Serbia put in an outlandish opening-quarter display in Saturday's Final of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Belgrade and cruised to an 108-77 victory over Puerto Rico to punch their ticket to Rio 2016. Turning Point: Puerto Rico scored the first basket of the game but their lead lasted only 33 seconds as Serbia replied swiftly with a 9-0 run. The Caribbean side called a time-out to stop the rot but when play resumed Serbia picked up where they left off and went on a blistering 15-0 run to stretch the gap to 24-3 with 4:11 remaining in the first quarter. Serbia's lead stretched to 37-7 shortly before the first buzzer. Stats Don't Lie: Serbia's supersonic offense stole the limelight from the start as the hosts knocked down 13 of their first 16 attempts from the floor, including 6-of-8 from three-point range. The Serbians dished out a collective 37 assists. Game Hero: Bogdan Bogdanovic (198-G/F-92) and Nikola Jokic (209-C-95, agency: BeoBasket) sparked Serbia's explosive start as they combined for 15 points and seven assists in just seven minutes of play. The Bottom Line: Serbia will take part in the Olympic Games basketball tournament as an independent country for the first time, following their break-up from Montenegro in 2006. Puerto Rico's Olympic dream has been postponed for at least another four years.
Courtesy of FIBA
FIBA QT in Turin: Croatia wins the final against Italy 84-78 (OT) for a place in Rio - Jul 9, 2016
With a really great performance Croatia national team won the decisive game of the OQT in Turin, and under the eyes of 12k Italian fans beat Italy 84-78 after an overtime, obtained the qualification for the next Olympic Games of Rio de Janeiro. The men of coach Petrovic played a strong game, controlling the challenge with the effort under the basket and the class of its stars. Italy tried to change the inertia of the game, but cause also the foul problems not was enough to overturn the result. In the last seconds of the regular time Melli finds two decisive points at rebound to send the game at the overtime, but during the next 5 minutes Croatia closed the game with the baskets of Bogdanovic. Italy of coach Messina lost a big occasion at home to return to play in the Olympic Games, Croatia merited the victory leaving the PalaAlpitour under the applause of the fans.
Croatia take his revenge after the defeat of 5 days ago, Dario Saric (207-PF-94, agency: BeoBasket) was the final MVP with 18pts and 13reb, 9 consecutive points in the first minutes of the last quarter. For the winners really great game also for Simon with 21pts, Bogdanovic with 26pts and Planinic with 13pts.
Across for Italy 12pts, 8reb and 4 assist of a good Gallinari, 12pts for Datome, 18pts of Belinelli and 11+8 from Melli.
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