Brazil shock Greece in thriller
Brazil shock Greece in thriller
FIBA WORLD CUP - GROUP F (MATCHDAY 2)
Greece suffered a disappointing 79-78 defeat to Brazil in the second match of Group F at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
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At the weekend, the Greeks had made the ideal start to the competition in China with a 25-point win against Montenegro, but Brazil handed them a cold shower this afternoon in what turned out to be a pulsating battle. Kostas Sloukas passed up a golden opportunity to force overtime in the final seconds when missing one of three free throws.
Brazilian veteran Anderson Varejao was the top scorer with a large 22 points. Giorgos Printezis (20), Nick Calathes (16) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (13) were the leading Greek scorers.
In the other Group F game, New Zealand defeated competition debutants Montenegro 93-83. Brazil have now qualified for the next phase, but Greece must defeat New Zealand to join them there.
Greece next play at the World Cup on Thursday against New Zealand. Brazil will prepare to face Montenegro on the same day.
THE MATCH
Regarded as clear favourites, Greece made a positive start to proceedings, winning the first quarter 19-15 before extending the advantage to 10 points after a six-point victory in the second. Sloukas caught the eye with a number of brilliant assists:
Greece were in the box seat, but a thoroughly underwhelming third period opened the door for Brazil to launch a dramatic comeback.
Playing solid defence, Brazil only allowed their opponents to score 13 points in the quarter, while scoring 26 at the other end to suddenly earn a slender three-point lead.
Brazil refused to back down in the fourth quarter either. Having sensed blood, the Brazilians never let Greece build up consistent momentum, keeping the Episimi Agapimeni at bay with organised defensive play.
With 35 seconds remaining, Giorgos Printezis drained a three-pointer to finally get Greece back on level terms, but the on-fire Varejao subsequently replied for Brazil with a floater. Giannis Antetokounmpo was then fouled out.
Down by three, Greece were presented with a perfect opportunity to tie the game with two seconds left on the clock. After drawing a timely foul, Sloukas stepped up to the line for three free throws, but he agonisingly missed the last one.
Group F standings:
Brazil, 4 points
Greece, 3 points
New Zealand, 3 points
Montenegro, 2 points
HIGHLIGHTS
by Shaun Nicolaides
Image Source: gazzetta.gr
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