Day 1 of the 2012 Olympic Qualifying Tournament

Greivis Vasquez hit his stride at the right time as
Venezuela won a close on over Nigeria.

The game of the day was in Group D, where perennial Olympians Angola made a clear statement of their intention to return to sport’s holy grail.

The Africans burst out to a 17-point second-quarter lead against the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MKD), with guard Olimpio Cipriano (23 points, 5 rebounds) scoring 11 dazzling points in the period.

But MKD scoring machine Bo McCalebb (21 points, 4 assists) led a second-half charge that reduced the margin to two points late in the game.

Ultimately, though, the power of Eduardo Mingas (24 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds) and some hard-nosed defense were enough to secure an 88-84 victory for Angola.

The most intense game of the day matched Group B rivals Venezuela against Nigeria in front of a sold out Poliedro de Caracas.

While it appeared a stunning third-quarter cameo from Venezuelan star Greivis Vasquez (24 points) had secured victory, Nigeria charged back from an 11-point deficit to take the lead early in the final term.

Vasquez then made a series of classy drives against the tough Nigerian defense – which spectacularly blocked eight shots – to extend the margin.

Nigeria refused to give in, closing the gap repeatedly and then creating a shot to send the game into overtime in the dying seconds.

An enormous block, however, from Hector Romero (10 points, 4 rebounds) sealed the win and sent the crowd into delirium.

Ike Diogu (14 points, 10 rebounds) and Anthony Skinn (10 points, 4 assists, 3 steals) led the way for Nigeria.

In the earlier games, Russia easily beat Korea in Group C despite conceding 16 turnovers and 11 offensive rebounds in the first half.

The Europeans prevailed, 91-56, led by Andrei Kirilenko’s 16 points and six rebounds, with captain Sergey Monya provided strong support with 14 points and six rebounds.

For Korea, only center Lee Seung-Jun (aka Eric Sandrin) (15 points) reached double figures.

Greece delivered an ominous warning with an efficient 107-63 dismantling of an undermanned Jordan in Group A.

The Greeks nailed 29-of-38 from two-point range and won the boards, 51-21, as Jordan found no answer for their size, ruthless execution, and speed in the open court.

Young gun Kostas Papanikolaou (19 points, 5 rebounds) led five players in double figures for the victors, while Enver Soobzokov was Jordan’s best contributor with 14 points and four assists.