VALENCIA (Spain) - Sunday's Final at the OQT 2024 Spain between Spain and the Bahamas promises to be an exciting affair in a clash between a European powerhouse and the thriving newcomers.
Neither side have been at their best for a full 40 minutes yet, but maybe they are saving that for the ultimate occasion.
This is unfamiliar territory for Spain having qualified directly to the Olympics for the previous six editions, while the Bahamas have never been closer to a maiden trip - as they look to upset the hosts for the second year running, having beaten Argentina (twice) in the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2023.
Key matchup:
They may not directly match up on the court, but Lorenzo Brown and Buddy Hield are the creative engines for their respective teams - ranking first and second in assists for the tournament.
Brown instantly became an integral piece for La Roja during FIBA EuroBasket 2022, and is dishing out 9.0 assists per game in less than 23 minutes, while Hield hit double figures in assists for back-to-back double-doubles to go with 20.0 points per game and 42-percent shooting from three-point range. If they can run the show, they put their team in a great position.
And, who's not excited to see the battle between Deandre Ayton and Willy Hernangomez under the basket. Prepare for plenty of fireworks in the paint.
X-factors:
This is still largely a new group for Spain, but they have the experience on the international stage. Nine of the 12 players were part of the title-winning squad at FIBA EuroBasket 2022, and 39-year-old Rudy Fernandez has already been to five Olympics.
Bahamas have plenty of know-how themselves and their NBA trio have been leading the way, while 18-year-old VJ Edgecombe has been the breakout player of the tournament. It could come down to just who wants it more, and there has been a fearlessness shown throughout.
But Spain are at home. The Valencia crowd really came alive in the fourth quarter in the Semi-Finals, inspiring a crazy finish - and could that end up being the biggest difference that pushes the hosts over the line? Well, we know the Bahamas won't be intimidated.
Stats don't lie:
When you read the numbers, there's not too much between the sides. Bahamas have scored 275 points, to Spain's 274. They both average 37 rebounds per game, Spain have a slight edge in the assists department, and likewise, Bahamas in three-point shooting.
But Spain do have more blocks than any other team with an average of 5.3 per game, and if they can continue to protect the basket in that same resolute manner, then that could be a major advantage.
Past matchups:
What a time to have your first meeting. As previously mentioned, the Bahamas had never played a competitive game against any of the participants in this tournament so there were always going to be the potential for exciting rivalries to begin.
They said:
"It means a lot. We know we are a small country and we have a lot of great athletes. Since last summer, we feel we've been taking on this task of trying to do something special." Bahamas forward, Eric Gordon
"Super proud of the team. We are still one step away. The Bahamas are an amazing team, we will have to play for all 40 minutes. We will have the crowd, and hopefully that will give us a good chance to win." Spain forward, Willy Hernangomez
FIBA