By Nikos Varlas / varlas@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the three-point shot from the center of the court at the buzzer and Spain was victorious 73-71 against Greece and qualified to the semi-final of the Eurobasket, while the Greek team will now fight to earn their ticket to the 2016 Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The last minute of the game was shocking, as Greece tried to make a big comeback (69-65, 70-68) and a three-point shot by Kostas Sloukas cut the deficit to just one point (72-71). But, Pau Gasol secured the win with one free throw (73-71), as Antetokounmpo failed to beat the buzzer.
Gasol was again the leader of Spain, with 27 points and nine rebounds, as Nicola Mirotic added 18 for the winners. On the other hand, the “Greek Freak” was unstoppable with 12 points and 17 rebounds, with Nick Calathes being the top scorer for the losing squad with 14 points and seven assists.
Spain started the game on a 6-0 run, but quickly Greece tied the game (12-12). The match continued to be a derby as none of the teams could take a significant advantage (18-16, 20-20), however the Spaniards were better in the last five minutes of the second quarter and were in front by seven to nine points (39-30, 39-32) until the end of the first half.
Greece tied the game immediately in the second half, with a 3-10 run (42-42). Fotis Katsikaris’ squad managed to take a slight lead (42-46, 51-55) and they ended the third quarter in front by two (55-57), as they outscored their opponents 16-25.
In the last quarter, Spain made a 5-0 run and took a three-point advantage, as the match was a close derby (60-57). Scariolo’s team retained the lead (68-61), as Greece made turnovers and missed crucial field goals, and claimed a difficult win at the end.