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Paris (AFP)
Germany beat Brazil in the final of the Split Pre-Olympic and this Sunday sealed their pass to the men’s basketball tournament at the Tokyo Games, for which Italy and Slovenia, winners in turn in other qualifying tournaments, also won places.
The Germans defeated the Brazilians 75-64, who on Saturday had beaten Mexico in the semifinals of the Olympic Qualification.
Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner led Germany with 28 points and six rebounds. In the Brazilian team, only veteran Anderson Varejao (38 years old), with 14 points, was able to respond at a good level to counter the rival, but it was not enough for his team.
In Belgrade, Italy dominated Serbia 102-95, a somewhat misleading result because the match was one-way, with the visitors dominating the entire match.
Meo Sacchetti’s team relied above all on the good work of Achille Polonara (22 points, 12 rebounds), Nico Mannion (24 points) and Simone Fontecchio (21 points).
For its part, Slovenia, led by its star Luka Doncic, qualified for the Games after beating Lithuania 96-85 in the Kaunas Pre-Olympic.
In the Japanese capital, Slovenia will play in group C, along with host Japan, Spain and Argentina, current world champions and runners-up.
The two teams, led by their NBA stars, Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valanciunas by the home team, Doncic on the road, offered a very balanced first half (52-52 at halftime).
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In the second half, Slovenia moved up to the top speed, gaining an 80-69 lead in the 30th minute that they no longer missed.
Despite being defended by two or three players at times, Doncic was once again imperial, with a spectacular triple-double (31 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists).
The last Men’s Basketball Pre-Olympic, which awards the last place, also closes this Sunday in Victoria (Canada), with a duel between Greece and the Czech Republic.
The four Pre-Olympics have therefore given place to European teams.
Before these Pre-Olympics, eight teams won their ticket, the host country (Japan) and seven through the 2019 World Cup (Spain, Argentina, United States, Australia, Nigeria, Iran, France).
– Results of the finals of the men’s basketball Pre-Olympic this Sunday:
In Kaunas (LTU): Slovenia defeated Lithuania 96-85
In Split (CRO): Germany defeated Brazil 75-64
In Belgrade: Italy defeated Serbia 102-95
In Victoria (CAN): Greece-Czech Republic (pending)
© 2021 AFP