Why Asian teams have struggled at the OQTs

(Image from FIBA)

*This first appeared on my weekly column on FIBA.com.

Three great Asian teams started their #RoadToRio campaigns this week at the different 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQT). As of this writing, none of those three Asian squads have been able to notch a single win.

Iran got blown out by Greece before falling short against Mexico in Turin, Italy. Japan dropped their opener to Latvia and will take on Czech Republic tomorrow in Belgrade, Serbia. The Philippines, meanwhile, gave France a good fight before succumbing on Day 1 in Manila. Gilas Pilipinas will take on New Zealand later, and the former are hoping they can break through with a W.

Pingris and Fajardo bare their hearts after loss to New Zealand

(Image from FIBA)

*This first appeared on FIBA.com.

The Philippines absorbed their second and final loss in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament last night at the hands of New Zealand. The result eliminated Gilas Pilipinas from Olympic contention and pretty much broke the hearts of Filipino hoop nuts everywhere.

Two of the most important and iconic players for the Philippines are veteran power forward Marc Pingris and two-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo. Pingris was not able to make much of an impact in Gilas’s two losses, but he is one player who truly embodies “puso.” Fajardo, for his part, had some brilliant moments in their loss to the Tall Blacks.

#FIBAOQT Manila Roundup Final Day

(Image from FIBA)

*These first appeared on FIBA.com.

France complete OQT sweep, advance to Rio

France completed the cast for the 2016 Olympics after they defeated Canada, 83-74, in the Final of the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila. The result meant Les Bleus swept all their four games and earned the last ticket to Rio 2016.

Turning Point: Canada were able to threaten early on, trailing by just 3 points at half-time, 39-36, but France turned up the heat in the third period. Coach Vincent Collet’s crew led by as many as ten points in that quarter, 48-38, and though Canada would try to rally till the final moments, it was clear which team had more quality.

#FIBAOQT Manila Roundup Day 4

(Image from FIBA)

*These first appeared on FIBA.com.

Canada outlast New Zealand to make OQT Final

Canada became the first team to enter the Final of the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila after they outlasted a gritty New Zealand, 78-72.

Turning Point: With Canada up, 73-71, Corey Webster had two straight misses that led to a big buckets by Khem Birch and Melvin Ejim. Those baskets put the outcome beyond doubt and enabled the Road Warriors of Canada to advance. It was a sorry stretch for the Kiwis, who had their chances, but just couldn’t capitalize.

Stats Don't Lie: Rebounding was New Zealand’s strong suit entering this game, but it was Canada who imposed their will on the glass. Coach Jay Triano’s wards outworked their foes in the rebounding department, 47-42. Tristan Thompson, as can be expected, led them with 10 boards, while five other Canucks grabbed at least 5 rebounds.

(Image by Roy Afable/Hoop Nut)

Game Hero: This was Tristan Thompson’s best game by far this tournament. He recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds while also shooting 4-of-5 from the field and, uncharacteristically, doing well from the free throw line. He made 5-of-7 of his charity attempts. With New Zealand’s Isaac Fotu playing under 9 minutes after sustaining an early injury, Thompson practically had gone unchecked for majority of the match.

The Bottom Line: Canada move on to the Final and face either France or Turkey. The NBA duo of Cory Joseph and Tristan Thompson carried them here, but even their supporting cast put in the work. If they can duplicate that in the Final while also minimizing their turnovers, they have a good chance. New Zealand, meanwhile, gave a very good account of themselves, and they should head back home proud of how they put up a gallant stand.

(Image by Roy Afable/Hoop Nut)

HIGHLIGHTS



OQT Final cast complete after France drub Turkey

France joined Canada in the Final of the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila after they drubbed a lackluster Turkey, 75-63.

Turning Point: Turkey were still in this game at the half and early in the third period when they cut the deficit, 37-33. France, however, went on a 10-0 tear that all but broke the game open. Anchored on the exploits of Boris Diaw and Joffrey Lauvergne, Les Bleu stretched the lead to fourteen points at 47-33, and they never looked back.

(Image by Roy Afable/Hoop Nut)

Stats Don't Lie: France may have been outrebounded in this match, but they more than compensated for that with their efficient shooting. As a team, the French made 52% of their field goals, including netting 7 triples. France’s supporting cast also gave them a huge lift as coach Vincent Collet’s bench outscored their Turkish counterparts, 42-18.

Game Hero: Much has been said about the talent of Tony Parker and Nando De Colo, but it was Thomas Heurtel who basked in the spotlight of this affair. The playmaker who plies his trade for, ironically, Turkish club Anadolu Efes Istanbul, tallied his best stat-line so far with 17 points, 4 assists and 2 triples. His great performance is an outstanding testament to this team’s backcourt depth.

The Bottom Line: France set up what promises to be a titanic clash in the Final opposite Canada, which, like the French, have so far been unscathed. For sure, Diaw, Lauvergne, De Colo, Nicolas Batum and Tony Parker will all figure prominently in tomorrow’s Final, where only the winner will earn the last Olympic ticket. For their part, Turkey have to re-evaluate their performance and perhaps focus on the future with young guns Cedi Osman and Furkan Korkmaz at the spearhead.

(Image by Roy Afable/Hoop Nut)

HIGHLIGHTS



FOR MORE ON FIBA HOOPS, CHECK THIS OUT!

FOLLOW THE AUTHOR ON TWITTER: @hoopnut 

LIKE OUR FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK, TOO! 


Tweet

#FIBAOQT Final Preview: CANADA vs FRANCE

(Image from FIBA)

This match-up will determine the last team that will enter the 2016 Rio Olympics. Serbia and Croatia have already qualified and now only the Manila OQT winner is left up in the air. 

The last time these two teams met was in the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey. In that game, Canada gave up a fourth quarter lead and suffered a defeat, 68-63. Free throws proved the difference in the final period with the North Americans hitting just 3/6 in the final five minutes. For France, Nicolas Batum (24 points, 7 rebounds) was superb, making big shots throughout the game, including 17 points in the second half. 

CAN is coming off a big win over a gritty NZL side. Tristan Thompson recorded a double-double and Cory Joseph shot well again, but it was the heroics of unheralded Melvin Ejim that proved to be the difference in that game. 

#FIBAOQT Semis Preview: FRANCE vs TURKEY

Image from FIBA.

This match-up will determine the second team that will enter the Final of the Manila OQT. FRA swept its Group B games after rallying past NZL last night, while TUR had to scramble to advance at the expense of a gritty SEN squad. The last times these teams met was in Eurobasket 2015, where FRA absolutely dominated TUR, 76-53. 

France assumed complete control of the contest after an Evan Fournier steal and subsequent breakaway dunk to tie the scores at 25 midway through the second period. This kick-started a 14-1 run into the third quarter, which sapped the spirit from their opponents. The hosts' dominance only increased in the second half.