The Caribbeans were overshadowed in the paint in a 94-76 loss by the host team in the first match of the Olympic basketball qualifier.
Mike torres Y Victor Liz they commanded the Dominican offense with 16 points each but it was not enough in the 94-76 loss to Serbia in the first match of the FIBA Olympic Qualifier in Belgrade.
The locals won the first period 31-23 including a 14-9 start, where 7 of the Dominican points were scored by captain Liz.
The Dominican Republic was able to come back with a good second quarter to tie the actions at the end of the first half at 47 points per side at Belgrade Arena, with 16 points and 7 rebounds from Víctor Liz and 10 from Gelvis Solano, but both could not shine in the second half.
The National Team could finish with a disadvantage of one point against the Serbs with a basket by Nikola Kalinic and 14 points for Boban marjanovic who totally dominated the rebounds and the paint zone.
The Dominican offense fell in its entirety in the latter with just 10 points to the 27 scored by the Serbs for the victory.
The best scorers for the Dominican were Liz and Torres with 16 points, 10 from Solano and 9 from Jonathan Araujo.
Ladies & Gentlemen: GELVIS SOLANO 🤯#FIBAOQT | @FedombalRD
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– FIBA (@FIBA) June 29, 2021
The Dominicans were left with the rebounding battle 14-13, although 10 of the Serbs went to Marjanovic.
What’s more Filip Petrusev scored 17 and Vasilije Micic he added 16 with 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
The Dominican Republic team shot for a poor 38% from the field (27/72) and scored 12 of 36 long-distance attempts, valid for 33%.
The team’s defense was lacking in allowing the Serbs 52% from the field including and they were overwhelmed in the paint in the battle for rebounds 43-37, although the offenses won 14-13.
The Dominican Republic will have a life or death match this Thursday against Philippines, at 2:30 in the afternoon in the Dominican Republic.