Greece and Spain secure path to Boomers’ pool for Paris

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Greece and Spain secure path to Boomers’ pool for Paris

Australia now know they must face Giannis Antetokounmpo at the Olympic basketball tournament after Greece’s star man took centre stage in their qualifying victory over Croatia.

The Greeks triumphed in one of the four men’s tournament finals held on Sunday to determine the remaining spots for the 12-team field for the Paris Games, with two-time NBA MVP Antetokounmpo scoring 23 points in their 80-69 victory.

Spain will also feature in Group A for the opening stage in France alongside the Boomers and Canada – who had both already qualified – following their win over the Bahamas later in the day.

Georgios Papagiannis added 19 points to Antetokounmpo’s haul as Greece earned an Olympic berth for the first time since 2008.

“It’s very nice to qualify because that’s the first step,” Papagiannis said. “At the Olympics, we’re looking to do something really good there.”

Ivica Zubac netted 19 points and 13 rebounds for Croatia, who replied with 15 points apiece from Mateo Dreznjak and Mario Hezonja and 14 from Dario Saric.

Lorenzo Brown scored 18 points for Spain in their win, with 14 from ****** Hernangomez, 12 from Santiago Aldama and 10 from Usman Garuba.

Buddy Hield led the Bahamas reply with 19 points. Deandre Ayton scored 17, Eric Gordon had 15 and Valdez Edgecombe Jr. finished with 12.

Meanwhile, Brazil also progressed to Paris after beating Latvia 94-69 in Riga.

Bruno Caboclo led Brazil with 21 points and Leo Meindl added 20. Caboclo made a 65-foot three-pointer to end the first quarter — one in which Brazil were eight for eight from beyond the arc to take a 34-11 lead and stun the home crowd.

Rihards Lomazs scored 15 for Latvia, who replied with 14 points apiece from Rolands Smits and Arturs Zagars.

Brazil have made Group B and now face games against hosts France (July 27), Germany (July 30) and Japan (August 2) in the opening stage.

The last spot in the 12-team Olympic field will be decided later on Sunday when Lithuania visit Puerto Rico.

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