Greece showed dominance in the Olympic qualifying tournament, defeating Slovenia 96-68 in the semifinals. Led by Thomas Walkup’s 19 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 13 points in 21 minutes, Greece’s victory put them one step closer to securing a spot in the Paris Games. Luka Doncic of Slovenia finished with 21 points in the game, but struggled against Greece’s big front line. It was an intense matchup between two NBA megastars representing their national teams for the first time.
Greece set the tone early in the game by scoring the first 13 points, establishing a 32-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. Despite Slovenia’s efforts to cut the deficit, Greece maintained a significant advantage throughout the game. Greece’s solid defense limited Slovenia to 43% shooting from the field, while they themselves shot an impressive 54%. Additionally, Greece outrebounded Slovenia 38-25, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the floor.
In Riga, Latvia, Brazil secured a 71-60 victory over the Philippines to advance to the finals of the tournament. Bruno Caboclo’s 15 points and 11 rebounds, along with Marcelinho Huertas’ 13 points, propelled Brazil to victory. The win kept Brazil’s hopes alive of qualifying for their first Olympics since 2016. Despite a strong start by the Philippines, Brazil’s 24-6 third quarter sealed the game, giving them a comfortable lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The Olympic qualifying tournaments have been filled with intense competition and impressive performances from teams around the world. As the quest for the Paris Games continues, teams like Greece and Brazil have showcased their strength and determination on the court. With each game serving as a battle for a coveted Olympic berth, the stakes are high and the competition fierce. Fans eagerly await the outcome of the finals as teams give their all to secure a spot in the prestigious Olympic basketball tournament.