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FIBA World Cup Day 6: Brazil and Greece win do-or-die games, punch tickets to Round 2

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Achmad Ibrahim/AP

As the group stage of the FIBA World Cup came to a thrilling conclusion, Day 6 was packed with exciting games and notable moments. Here’s a breakdown of the results, key takeaways, and standout performances:

1. Results from Day 6:

  • Group B: Puerto Rico 107-89 China
  • Group B: Serbia 115-83 South Sudan
  • Group C: USA 110-62 Jordan
  • Group C: Greece 83-74 New Zealand
  • Group F: Slovenia 92-77 Cape Verde
  • Group F: Georgia 70-59 Venezuela
  • Group G: Brazil 89-77 Côte d’Ivoire
  • Group G: Spain 85-65 Iran

2. Brazil’s Thrilling Victory:

  • Brazil faced Côte d’Ivoire in a rollercoaster game.
  • Brazil’s starting point guard, Yago Santos, suffered a knee injury, impacting the team’s performance.
  • However, Santos made a heroic return, scoring 24 points and delivering 12 assists, securing an 89-77 win.
  • Santos’s exceptional performance showcased his potential as the future of Brazilian basketball.

3. USA’s Starting Lineup Change:

  • Team USA made a significant change to their starting lineup by replacing Brandon Ingram with Josh Hart.
  • This adjustment paid off, with Team USA taking a quick 20-4 lead and finishing the first quarter up 31-12.
  • Hart’s contributions as a defender, rebounder, and playmaker were instrumental in the team’s dominant 110-62 victory over Jordan.
  • The change aimed to improve the team’s starting performance, and it proved effective.

4. Greece’s Comeback Victory:

  • Greece faced New Zealand in a do-or-die battle for a spot in the second round.
  • New Zealand had a strong first half, leading 43-32 behind Reuben Te Rangi and Shea Ili’s outstanding performances.
  • Greece mounted a comeback, sparked by Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s defensive prowess and 33 points in the fourth quarter.
  • Giannoulis Larentzakis and Ioannis Papapetrou led Greece with 47 combined points and seven three-pointers, securing an 83-74 win.

5. Round 2 Preview:

  • Classification games are set to begin before the second group stage starts.
  • Results from the first group stage will carry over to the second round.
  • Top two teams from each group in the second round will advance to the knockout stage in Manila, Philippines.
  • Groups for Round 2 include Serbia, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Italy; USA, Lithuania, Montenegro, Greece; Slovenia, Germany, Australia, Georgia; Canada, Spain, Latvia, Brazil.

6. Play of the Day:

  • A rare basketball nutmeg occurred in the game between Puerto Rico and China when Tremont Waters passed the ball between the legs of Qi Zhou before setting up a dunk.
  • Luka Doncic showcased incredible skills, including a dribble and pump-fake combo and a behind-the-head pass, despite struggling with his shot.

7. Moment of the Day:

The third quarter of the game between Georgia and Venezuela provided moments of humor, as both teams missed back-to-back dunks and an open layup.

8. Quote of the Day:

  • USA head coach Steve Kerr explained the lineup change: “We just felt like it was important to have a look at Josh (Hart) with the starting group and Brandon (Ingram) with the next group and see if the combinations fit.”
  • Ilias Zouros, head coach of Georgia, expressed pride in his team’s performance: “Today, the country is happy.”
  • Tim Soares of Brazil praised Yago Santos: “It’s good to have somebody like that on your team for sure.”

9. Three Stars of the Day:

  • Yago Santos (Brazil): Overcame injury to lead Brazil with 24 points, 12 assists, and remarkable shooting.
  • Josh Hart (USA): Made a significant impact in the starting lineup, contributing defensively and on the boards.
  • Giannoulis Larentzakis and Ioannis Papapetrou (Greece): Combined for 47 points and seven three-pointers in Greece’s comeback win.

Day 6 of the FIBA World Cup delivered thrilling basketball action, setting the stage for an exciting second round.

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