Game Report: Angola's hopes for Olympic qualification were dashed in a heartbreaking 74-70 defeat to Lebanon at the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The game was marred by subpar shooting performances from both sides, with Angola shooting 33.8% from the field and Lebanon slightly better at 37.7%.
Last Updated on
July 4, 2024
Ayo Biyibi
Staff Writer
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..."
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
