Home FIBA Rio 2016 Four teams now in direct battle for Rio 2016 spot

Four teams now in direct battle for Rio 2016 spot

Italy will face off against Croatia in Turin and Serbia will take on Puerto Rico in Belgrade for two of the final three spots at the Rio 2016 Olympics after all four sides recorded wins in their semi-final clashes.

The third and final spot will be up for grabs in Manila on Monday.

Italy recorded a 79-54 win over Mexico with Danilo Gallinari leading the way with 15 points in a relatively comfortable victory.

The dream of Rio is over for Mexico who were paced by Francisco Cruz with 20 points.

They will face Croatia, who beat Greece 66-61 as they keep their dream of a first Olympic appearance since 2008 alive.

Bojan Bogdanovic led the winners with 20 points, supported by 16 from Dario Saric as Greece’s efforts of an Olympic showing come to a halt.

Over in Belgrade, Serbia eased past Czech Republic 96-72 thanks to a solid shooting display where they shot 61.5 percent from inside the three-point line and an impressive 44 percent from outside.

The Serbs, led by 21 points from Bogdan Bogdanovic also scored 20 points from 15 Czech Republic turnovers.

And Serbia will have an early rematch with Puerto Rico but unlike their opening group game, which Serbia won, this encounter will be for a spot at Rio 2016.

The lightening quick, yet experienced Puerto Ricans turned in a clutch final quarter to beat Latvia 77-70.

Carlos Arroyo showed his veteran no-how, especially in the final few minutes to lead Puerto Rico to victory.

John Holland led the victors with 15 points.

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