Game Summary
Poland got off to a good start in its qualifying bid on Tuesday, downing Angola 83-64. Poland was led by Mateusz Ponitka, who scored a team-high 22 points. Defense was key in the victory as Poland forced Angola into 20 turnovers. Angola’s Yanick Moreira led all scorers with 27 points.
Group A – Split, Croatia: Germany 82, Mexico 76
Game Summary
Down 42-40 at halftime, Germany finished strong to hold off Mexico in its opening qualifying game. Center Johannes Voigtmann (from CSKA Moscow) and guard Joshiko Saibou (from Champagne Chalons Reims Basket) powered the win. Voigtmann recorded 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Saibou contributed a team-high 17 points. Mexico’s Francisco Cruz led all scores with 30 points on 55% shooting.
NBA Player Performances
For Germany, Orlando Magic center Moe Wagner added 11 points and five rebounds in 17 minutes of play. Washington Wizards forward Isaac Bonga made key free throws down the stretch and finished with a near double- double (13 points, nine rebounds) in 26 minutes.
Group A – Kaunas, Lithuania: Lithuania 76, Venezuela 65
Game Summary
Lithuania started off its Olympic qualifying campaign on Tuesday with a big win at home over Venezuela. Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas led the way for the home side with 20 points on 8-for-9 shooting. Lithuania dominated on the glass, outrebounding Venezuela 41-31. A strong second quarter helped propel the winning side, as Lithuania outscored Venezuela 25-18.
NBA Player Performances
Valanciunas not only scored 20 points against Venezuela, but he also added to his stat line with 11 rebounds. The Grizzlies big man wasn’t the only NBA player in the game as Indiana Pacers center Domantas Sabonis was also a contributor for Lithuania. Sabonis had 12 points (6-for-8 shooting), eight rebounds and two assists.
Group B – Split, Croatia: Brazil 83, Tunisia 57
Game Summary
Brazil’s Olympic qualifying run started off as a success after defeating Tunisia handedly. Brazil shot lights out from behind the arc (43%), and dominated on the glass, outrebounding Tunisia 42-36. Brazil’s leading scorers were Vitor Benite (15), Rafael Hettsheimeir (11) and Leonardo Meindl (10). The stifling Brazlian defense held Tunisia to just 36% from the field in the victory.
Group A – Belgrade, Serbia: Serbia 94, Dominican Republic 76
Game Summary
A dominant fourth quarter helped Serbia secure a victory over the Dominican Republic on Tuesday in Group A play of the Serbia Olympic qualifying tournament. The home side outscored the visitors 27-10 in the final quarter to secure an 18-point win at home. Dallas Mavericks center Boban Marjanovic led all scorers with 18 points.
NBA Player Performances
Marjanovic was a dominant presence down low for Serbia, not only leading all scorers but also grabbing 10 rebounds. He was joined on the Serbia side by Miami Heat forward Nemanja Bjelica, who poured in 12 points of his own including two three-pointers.
