Russia (0-2) needed at least a 7-point win but they couldn't get past Germany (2-0) in a dramatic game 67-69 (17-15, 18-17, 18-18, 14-19) at the FIBA OQT in Split, Croatia.
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
10
|
| Johannes Voigtmann | |
| Points | 13 |
| Accuracy | 3-5 |
| Rebounds | 7 |
| Assists | 0 |
With a must-win game on the line, Russia came out focused and aggressive. Germany, led by Moritz WAGNER, didn’t back down as both teams produced one of the most closely contested first halves we’ve seen so far at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
Neither team led by more than 10 points, the game saw six lead changes and five ties. Behind the score of 35-32 at halftime were statistics of incredibly equally-matched teams: rebounds 16-16, assists 7-7, turnovers 9-9 (points from turnovers 11-10), points from the bench 11-10, 3-point shooting 33% (both), 2-point shooting (57% vs 50%), free-throw shooting (50% vs 56%).
The second half started with the same intensity. The Germans came out with a dunk, the Russians answered with a 3-point shot, then Niels Giffey scored five straight to overtake the lead briefly. But the nail-biter continued throughout the third quarter, as both teams displayed a tough brand of basketball.
After Andrey Vorontsevich's 3-pointer, Ivan Ukhov stole the ball, which led to Grigory Motovilov and-1 layup. A little 5-0 run prompted Germany to call a timeout.
Short break righted Germany's ship, as they produced a 9-2 run of their own to cut Russia's lead to three to end the third quarter (53-50).
Russia, which needed at least a 7-point win to advance, couldn't find a bucket at the beginning of the final quarter. Finally, with 8:29 to play, Anton Kardanakhishvili made a short jumper to increase the lead to five. But the Germans answered with Joshiko Saibou's step-back 3-pointer to get back within two.
Teams continued to trade baskets until Germany tied the score on two free-throws by Wagner with 2:36 left to play (63-63). During the final two minutes, Germany overtook the lead en route to their second win, first place in a group, and a date at the tournament's semifinal. Meanwhile, Russia is going home after a disappointing performance.
Johannes Voigtmann (13 points) and Moritz Wagner (12 points) led the Germans to victory. Andrey Vorontsevich scored 17 for Russia.
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