…Greece, Spain, and Puerto Rico round out qualifiers
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- WITH the Paris Olympic Games merely days away, the qualifying lineup for the basketball tournament has been finalized, and the regional side, the Bahamas, narrowly missed out on a berth.
Playing in one of four qualifying finals, they lost a heartbreaking 86-78 game against European powerhouse Spain in Valencia yesterday. They were led by Golden State Warriors shooting guard Buddy Hield, who ended with 19 points and six rebounds, while Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton put up 17 points.
In San Juan, Puerto Rico, the host ended a 20-year Olympic Games drought with a 79-68 victory over Lithuania to book their ticket.
Playing at the 13,504-seat Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot, Puerto Rico showed determination and will to participate in the Olympic Games and fought to ensure their place was sealed.
With the win, they now book a spot in Group C alongside powerhouse United States, Serbia, and South Sudan.
Over in Latvia, Brazil claimed a comprehensive victory over their European opponents to book their spot in the Games, recording a 94-69 win.
Greece, Spain, and Puerto Rico were the winners from the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament, which featured a number of top NBA stars who will also be on show at the Games, which tip off on July 27 in Paris.
