Day two of the Olympic men’s basketball tournament saw Group B begin their campaigns with Spain, Lithuania and the hosts Brazil in action.
Group A resumes tomorrow.
LITHUANIA WITHSTAND BRAZILIAN FIGHTBACK FOR WIN
Lithuania looked set for a comfortable win against Brazil, until the hosts fought back late on with the Baltic nation eventually settling for an 82-76 victory.
The Lithuanians were cruising at half-time, leading 58-29 and with the game seemingly over. But backed by a passionate home following, Brazil hit back, refusing to be forced into submission. They reduced the gap to as little as four points late in the fourth thanks to Leandro Barbosa’s bucket.
But Domantas Sabonis connected a vital three-point play to take Lithuania’s lead to 78-71 and end the hosts’ brave fightback.
Mantas Kalnietis led Lithuania with 16 points and eight assists. Barbosa had a game-high 21 for Brazil.
DARIO SARIC SWATS PAU FOR CROATIA WIN
Dario Saric came to the Rio Olympics to represent Croatia and to impress the NBA audience watching. And he did just that.
Saric, who will head to the Philadelphia 76ers after the Olympics, blocked a game-tying attempt from Pau Gasol on the buzzer to give Croatia a thrilling 72-70 win over Spain in their Group B opener.
Bojan Bogdanovic led Croatia with 23 points but it is Saric who will take all the plaudits for his game-winning block.
CAMPAZZO IMPRESSES AGAINST NIGERIA
Argentina got their Rio 2016 off and running with a convincing 94-66 win over Nigeria to bring day two to a close.
With a lot of the focus entered around Argentina’s main four, it was UCAM Murcia’s Facundo Campazzo who stole the show as he recorded impressive stats of 19 points, five assists and five steals. He also hit five three-pointers, shooting 62 percent from long distance.
