Jermaine Anderson hit a three-pointer with 34 seconds to play, completing Canada's 14-0 run over the final 2:42 and giving it a 79-77 victory over South Korea yesterday to claim the last quarterfinal berth in an Olympic basketball qualifying tournament.
Anderson gave Canada its first lead since the first quarter and earned it a game against Croatia on Friday.
Germany's Dirk Nowitzki (R) is challenged by New Zealand's Craig Bradshaw during their basketball game at FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in Athens July 16, 2008. Nowitzki scored 35 points and led Germany to an 89-71 victory over New Zealand. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
"I just told these guys to stay with it," Canada coach Leo Rautins said. "(They) settled down and started playing basketball."
Rowan Barrett led Canada with 22 points, while Jeon Jung-gyu scored 19 for the Koreans.
Later, Dirk Nowitzki scored a tournament-high 35 points to lead Germany over New Zealand 89-71. Germany took over midway through the second quarter with a 17-3 run to take a 47-33 halftime lead.
"Dirk is one of the best players in the world. He can score in so many ways," said teammate Chris Kaman, who added 20 points but sat out the fourth quarter with a sore ankle.
Kirk Penney scored 29 for New Zealand, whose quarterfinal opponent will be Greece, an 89-69 winner over Brazil. Germany will play Brazil in Friday's quarterfinals.
The 12-nation qualifying tournament will determine the final three berths for the Olympics.
Led by Anotonis Fotsis' 18 points and 10 rebounds, Greece gained control in the second quarter. Tiago Splitter scored 20 and grabbed seven rebounds for Brazil.
"Greece played aggressive defense throughout and took us off our rhythm," Splitter said.
Following its 86-70 loss to Slovenia on Tuesday, Canada released Samuel Dalembert of the Philadelphia 76ers, who had scored four points on 1-for-8 shooting. "We decided to move forward with the players who have the passion and desire to play for Canada," Rautins said.
Croatia rallied to beat Puerto Rico 95-81 and earn its game against Canada. Puerto Rico will face undefeated Slovenia.
(Agencies via Shanghai Daily July 17, 2008)