VALENCIA (Spain) - Spain secured a trip to yet another Olympics after they defeated Bahamas 86-78 to delight of a passionate home crowd.
When the home side moved ahead in the second quarter, they never looked back and ensured that Rudy Fernandez has the chance to go to a record sixth Olympics.
The turning point:
The first quarter flew by as both teams figured each other out without asserting their authority early on. It was a tough shooting start, too, until Lorenzo Brown decided to go 3-6-9 late in the second, and then Sergio Llull joined in on the three-point action, and all of a sudden, it was a double-digit game.
From then on, the hosts remained in control without being completely dominant - Kentwan Smith hit a corner three to beat the third quarter buzzer to reduce the arrears to single figures, but the Bahamas could not make a decisive fourth quarter run to really trouble their opponents - getting as close as six points inside the final two minutes.
TCL Player of the Game:
Lorenzo Brown came into the Final with almost as many assists as points, but let his scoring do the talking when it mattered most - knocking down four triples in an invaluable 18-point cameo, whilst adding 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
Stats don't lie:
The Bahamas entered the Final averaging over 91 points per game as well tournament-highs in field goal shooting, including from three-point range. Against Spain's defense, they were held to below 80 points, and could only muster 8-of-23 from beyond the arc.
Spain's depth was another difference maker with 32 points to 17 off the bench.
Bottom line:
It's what Spain do, and why you should never write them off in any situation. Santi Aldama stepped seemingly into a starring role, Willy Hernangomez was as huge as ever, and there were countless important contributions throughout - especially for a side that did not have either Juancho Hernangomez or Juan Nunez suit up in the Final.
So close to history for the Bahamas, but another indication they can be a force on the international stage. Deandre Ayton posted a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds, as the big three combined for 51 of the points in defeat - something they haven't become too accustomed to.
They said:
FIBA