Tiago Splitter leads as Brazil squeeze past Great Britain 67-62 – London Olympics Men Basketball Recap
The Brazilian men basketball team faced tough competition from a highly motivated British squad playing in front of home crowd, but were able to hang on and clinch their 2nd victory, 67-62, at the London Olympics.
The win keeps Brazil unbeaten in the tournament, while Britain has now lost both of its first two matches and face an uphill task in order to progress.
Brazil got off to a rather slow start, managing only 4 points in the first quarter, but rallied well in the second and third periods to establish a foothold and eventually win the game.
Tiago Splitter scored a game high 21 points for Brazil, on a night when he converted 9 of 11 from the field. Marcelinho Huertas also added 13 points and 8 assists for Brazil.
Pops Mensah Bonsu had a great night for Great Britain, scoring 13 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in the process while Nate Reinking chipped in with 13 point as well.
Brazil opened the scoring with the first possession of the game when Tiago Splitter slipped in a layup. However, the South Americans were able to score only 2 more points in the entire quarter after that, as they appeared rusty on the court and missed numerous field goals.
Britain took advantage of the situation to race to an 11-2 run and capped the first quarter with a three pointer by Mike Lenzly. However, they too were not at their best and went into the second period leading 11-4.
The second quarter was much more exciting, as Brazil finally shrugged off their shooting woes and gradually cut into the lead Britain had built over the first period. Brazil matched play for play with Britain and sliced into the deficit, finally tying the scores at 27 with the final play of the first half.
The two teams played another hotly contested third quarter which involved a number of lead exchanges. Brazil took the early lead in the quarter but Britain, playing in front of a charged up home crowd, was not ready to fall behind that easily. Both teams fought hard for the lead and a two pointer by Anderson Varejao late in the quarter gave Brazil a 48-43 cushion heading into the final period.
Varejao then opened the scoring in the final quarter with a two pointer, extending Brazil’s lead to 7. Britain quickly scored 8 points which included two three pointers and again regained a 51-50 lead.
Back to back three pointers by Luol Deng put Britain ahead by 1 point with 4 minutes left in regulation. However, it was Brazil who had the final laugh as they scored 7 quick points to take a 63-57 lead with 1:32 left to play. Britain missed two three point shots and committed a turnover, allowing Brazil to accumulate a 7-0 run, one which proved to be decisive. The Brazilian side then held on to the lead for the rest of the period and won 67-62.
Brazil shot slightly better than Britain from the field but were a dismal 3 of 22 from three point range. Britain went 7 of 19 from the long range in contrast.
Brazil had 6 fewer turnovers than Britain at 12, and 6 more steals at 10. They had the better hustle play in clutch situations, forcing turnovers and getting the fast breaks points which allowed them to escape with the victory near the end.
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