Giannoulis Larentzakis’ 19 points and three triples powered Greece’s entry to the World Cup as they slammed Jordan, 92-71, in Pasay’s Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, Aug. 26.
Thomas Walkup and Ioannis Papapetrou had 13 apiece, while Nikos Rogkavopoulos got 10 as the Greeks sizzled for an efficient 52 percent efficiency en route to their first tournament win.
Greece broke through as early as the second period by carving a 14-point margin at most.
The Jordanians stepped their foot to the gas pedal on the third frame and got nearer by as much as three against the Greeks, 58-61, thanks to a 25-15 blitz featuring Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. But in the final period, Greece regained their command and quickly clamped Jordan at both ends of the floor to ice a late rally.
Hollis-Jefferson logged 24 points in 7-of-11 shots made to go with nine boards in Jordan’s initial World Cup campaign. Ahmad Dwairi provided his 14 points and nine boards as well.
Jordan will look to redeem themselves on Monday against New Zealand. Greece will follow up on a highly anticipated matchup with the United States.
