By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The last day of Group B action in Rio’s basketball tournament is going to be more than interesting. All six teams have their chances of advancing in the quarterfinals after the win of Nigeria (1-3) over Croatia (2-2) and Spain (2-2) is alive and kicking after beating Lithuania (3-1).
However the team from the Baltic and Argentina (3-1) after beating Brazil (1-3) have already secured their spot in the next round and the only thing in question is their final position. So here are the last round possibilities.
Lithuania will be first if they beat Croatia, or third if they lose their last game.
Argentina will be first or second with a win over Spain, depending on the result of Lithuania versus Croatia. If they lose to Spain, then they will finish on the third or fourth position, also depending on the result of Lithuania.
Croatia can be first or second with a win over Lithuania, depending on the result of Spain against Argentina. If they lose to Lithuania, then they can end up third or fourth depending on the result of Spain in combination with a win of Brazil against Nigeria.
The only scenario that keeps Croatia out of the quarterfinals is losing to Lithuania and also Nigeria beating Brazil, no matter what will happen in the game Spain versus Argentina.
Spain can end up being second in the final group standings with a win over Argentina. If they lose to Argentina then they will be third provided that Nigeria and Lithuania get also wins, or fourth if Croatia and Nigeria prevail. The scenario that will send the Spaniards out of the tournament is wins for Argentina and Brazil, no matter what happens with Croatia.
Brazil has to beat Nigeria and hope that Argentina beats Spain. That’s the only favorable scenario for them.
Nigeria has to beat Brazil and hope also that Croatia will beat Lithuania. That also the only way for them to advance.