Lebanon Ends Angola's Olympic Dreams with 74-70 Victory

Lebanon Ends Angola's Olympic Dreams with 74-70 Victory

In a tense showdown at the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Angola's campaign ended with a narrow 74-70 defeat to Lebanon, marking their second loss in the tournament.

Lebanon asserted control early, securing a commanding lead for 33 minutes and 57 seconds throughout the game. Angola, in contrast, managed to lead for just 3 minutes in the third quarter, struggling to maintain momentum against Lebanon's persistent pressure.

Lebanon enjoyed its largest lead of 11 points, while Angola's lead peaked at a modest four points. With only four lead changes and four ties throughout, both teams grappled with inconsistent shooting accuracy. Angola shot 33.8% from the field, slightly below Lebanon's 37.7%, reflecting a challenging shooting night for both sides from all areas of the hardwood.

Angola shot 26.7% from beyond the arc compared to Lebanon's 35.7%, further highlighting their offensive struggles. Despite being outshot, Angola managed to outrebound Lebanon 46-40 and recorded more steals with a count of 10-7. Angola capitalised on second-chance opportunities and dominated inside the paint, outscoring Lebanon 32-14 and 20-6, respectively. They also made significant contributions off the bench, outscoring Lebanon 37-20 in bench points.

The game's momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter when Bruno Fernando's crucial 3-pointer tied the score at 37-37, sparking Angola's surge led by Selton Miguel, Jilson Bango, and Gerson Goncalves to briefly take a 45-45 tie into the final quarter. However, Lebanon responded with a pivotal 9-2 run early in the fourth quarter, creating a gap that Angola struggled to close despite efforts from Childe Dundao, Silvio De Sousa, and Bruno Fernando.

Lebanon's Omar Spellman, a naturalised American, played a pivotal role and had a standout performance. He scored 22 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists. His timely shooting, including four crucial 3-pointers, proved decisive in Lebanon's victory.

Angola's disappointment in falling short against Lebanon was compounded by their taxing match against Spain less than 24 hours earlier. The loss represents a missed opportunity for Angola to advance further in the tournament, underscoring the challenges of the back-to-back games throughout the tournament.

In his post-game interview, NBA star Bruno Fernando was direct when discussing the key factors of the game.

"I don't think we came out with the right energy, with the right approach..."

Watch the Angola vs Lebanon Game Highlights Below

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[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]