From the first quarter, Greece imposed what would be the final destiny of a match in which the Dominican Republic fought knowing that it was an evidently unequal rival.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), as expected, was unstoppable, showing his status as two-time Most Valuable Player and eight-time NBA All-Star to lead his country to a victory 102-89 in this Pre-Olympic basketball tournament being played in Piraeus, Greece.
Thus, with a victory, Antetokounmpo and his boys debut in this tournament that gives a single ticket to the Olympic Games of Paris 2024. Dominican Republic (1-1), which beat Egypt, rests this Thursday.
The Greeks’ accuracy was unstoppable by the Dominican defense, which was also superior from this area, where they shot 24-18 for a high record of 50 percent; the Dominican Republic shot 29-12.
Antetokounmpo scored 32 points and went 9-for-13 from the free throw line to lead his country, which along with Slovenia and Croatia are favorites to qualify for the game at Peace and Friendship Stadium in Piraeus. Thomas Walkup added 17, Nick Calathes 12 and Georgios Papagiannis 10.
Chris Duarte He led the Caribbean team with 26 points, including 15 from behind the arc, after eight attempts and 7-for-8 from the free throw line; Victor Liz and Jean Montero 12; Angel Nunez 10, Luis Santos 9 and Andres Feliz 8.
But the Dominican team did not give up, after finishing the first half 45-31 and seeing Greece move away by about 20 points in the third quarter, at the end of that set. Chris Duarte put the game at 10 points with just over a minute to play.
However, what had already happened during the match happened again: the Greek team reacted favourably again, making it difficult for the Dominican team to get below the 10-point barrier, which it had been dragging since the first quarter.
Duarte (Sacramento Kings) gave the Dominican Republic the quality of its outside attack that it needed with his fine aim also shown in the NBA.
The Dominican Republic closes this group phase with a 1-1 record and is waiting for the matches to find out its Group A rival.
With 7:45 left to play, Antetokounmpo again pushed the lead to 20 by scoring two (88-67) after scoring two free throws, thus once again complicating the Dominican aspirations of crossing over as group leader.
A lover of sport in all its dimensions, he believes that the basis of sport must be in school. He has covered the Pan American Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games.
2024-07-04 08:10:18
#Paris #indomitable #Antetokounmpo #Greece #defeated
