Dominican Republic and Macedonia win: FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men Day 2 Roundup
Dominican Republic manage to squeak a 95-85 win over Korea
A night after being mauled by the mighty Russians, Republic of Korea recorded a spirited response against a powerful Dominican Republic outfit.
Led by 21 points and 6 rebounds from Seung Jung Lee, the Asians kept a tight grip on the game at the start and were surprisingly leading by 41-37 at the break.
However, a blow out third quarter and some calm nerves down the stretch, ensured a 95-85 win for the South Americans.
They were led by the Atlanta Hawks centre Al Horford, who pounded a game high of 30 points on a 10-of-14 shooting to go with 12 rebounds.
Power forward Jack Martinez also had an epic game with 16 points and a game-high 25 rebounds, Francisco Garcia had 13, while Juan Coronado Gil and Eulis Baez chipped in with 11 points apiece.
Besides Jung Lee, all the four starters also scored in double figures and combined for a total of 48 points, but their biggest disadvantage was on the boards. They were out-rebounded 56-27 in the game, which was their last in this
competition.
Macedonia rout New Zealand 84-62
Bo McCalebb hammered a game high 23 points with 11 rebounds and Pero Antić notched up a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards as MKD raced to an 84-62 win over team New Zealand.
MKD were hot right from the start and finished the first quarter with a massive 26-11 lead. The Kiwis tried to inch their way back into the game in the second quarter and early in the third, they came within 11 points, but that
was the closest they got.
Macedonians pressed the trigger in the passage that followed and romped to a 22 points win, pretty much ensuring their passage to the next round. MKD had barely lost to the Angolans in their first game last night and a loss here
would have seen their Olympics hopes vanish.
The Kiwis, who had only Alex Pledger in double figures with 11 points and 11 rebounds, have their work cut out now if they want to stay alive in the competition. New Zealand take on Angola in the first game tonight and need to
win big.
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