VALENCIA (Spain) - The Bahamas and Lebanon match up in the first Semi-Final of the OQT 2024 Spain as they both look to move one step closer to an Olympic dream.
It's a clash of styles as the teams from the Americas and Asia collide with Lebanon looking to take down a formidable Bahamas side that is full of confidence, led by captain Buddy Hield.
Key matchup:
Omari Spellman was inspired in Lebanon's decisive victory on Thursday, and you feel that he may need to produce even more if they are to repeat the feat. He showcased his outside game with four triples in that win, while Lebanon will expect to find the paint heavily protected with the presence of Deandre Ayton for the Bahamas.
The Portland Trailblazers big man has been strong inside with a soft touch in the mid-range to help account for 18.5 points per game so far, to go along with 9.0 rebounds as the most efficient player on the team. Spellman is averaging 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game and we could be set for an intriguing tussle under the glass.
X-factors:
If you weren't already aware of the hype surrounding VJ Edgecombe, you surely are now. The 18-year-old Baylor signee has put his stamp on this team with an impressive all-round display, highlighted by his defensive intensity and willingness to put every player on the opposition on a poster.
But one thing Lebanon won't be beaten on, is their heart. They showed true character to come through their battle with Angola, and while Spellman's performance stole the headlines, there were some big time performances in the fourth quarter - especially from Sergio El Darwich and Karim Zeinoun in the clutch moments. They will need more of the same, and that reliable non-quit attitude.
Stats don't lie:
Bahamas averaged 93.0 points per game across their opening two encounters, while Lebanon were down at 66.0 - though they still found a way past Angola. The Bahamas can hurt you in different ways, particularly from three-point range with their deadly array of shooters combining for 44 percent accuracy in Valencia.
Past matchups:
The two teams have never played against each other, and the same could have been said no matter who Bahamas came up against this week. They now have a perfect record over Poland and Finland, with the chance to add to more first-time scalps this weekend.
There is also the fascinating meeting between Lebanon's Youssef Khayat and Bahamas' Lourawls 'Tum Tum' Nairn - exciting prospect Khayat heads to Bowling Green State for the 2024-25 next season, and Nairn has been promoted to the role of associate head coach of the Falcons.
They said:
"This is bigger than us, it's for a whole country. We've got to make our people proud. We want to make it to the Olympics, we want to make history.
[On facing Nairn]: "It does mean something special. But we have to put that aside, because when I'm playing for my country, I don't care who I'm playing against. They have a lot of good NBA players, so we have to do our homework and be prepared." Lebanon forward, Youssef Khayat
"I think everyone knows what's at stake right now. We understand what it means to be in this position. I think our guys are locked in, and we're going to give it our best shot. You never know when this opportunity might come around again." Bahamas head coach, Chris Demarco
FIBA