Men’s basketball competitions at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics started with 4 matches played in 2 groups. In the important match of the day in Group A, France defeated the United States, which is shown as the biggest favorite of the gold medal, 83-76.
Men’s basketball matches at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics started with 4 matches played in Group A and Group B. In Group A, the United States and France faced off at the Saitama Super Arena. The USA closed the first half of the fight ahead 45-37. Displaying a very effective game in the 3rd period, France produced 25 points in this period, allowing their opponent to score only 11 points. While the last period was the scene of a great struggle, France, who played the decision moments better, won the park 83-76. Evan Fournier managed to be the top scorer of the game with 28 points in France, while Jrue Holiday finished the game with 18 points in the USA. Fenerbahce Beko player Nando De Colo, who plays for France, stayed on the park for 33 minutes and produced 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
ITALY BROUGHT THE GERMAN BARRIER WITH ITS LAST PERIOD
In the first match of the day in Group B, Germany and Italy faced each other. Germany, which closed the first period leading 32-22, entered the locker room 46-43 at the end of the first half. Going behind 72-68 in the last period, Italy kept its opponent 10 points in the final period. The Italians, who produced 24 points in this period, managed to win the match 92-82. Germany’s Maodo Lo was the game’s top scorer with 24 points, while Italy’s Simone Fontecchio scored 20. Danilo Barthel, wearing Fenerbahçe Beko jersey, scored 5 points for Germany, while the new transfer of the yellow-dark blue team, Achille Polonara, finished the fight for Italy without scoring.
CZECHIA DEFEAT IRAN
Czechia, which took part in the Olympics for the first time in its history, faced Iran in its first match. Closing the first half ahead 46-30 with a very superior game, Czechia entered the last quarter with a 67-46 lead. Although Iran managed to close the gap with its attack in the last quarter, Czechia won the fight 84-78. Iran’s Behnam Yakhchalidehkordi was the game’s top scorer with 23 points. Patrik Auda scored 16 points in Czechia. Jan Vesely, who plays for Fenerbahçe Beko, produced 11 points and 7 rebounds by staying on the court in 25 minutes for the Czech Republic.
On the other hand, in the other match of the day, Australia defeated Nigeria 84-67. Patty Mills added 25 points in Australia, while Nigeria’s Obi Emegano added 12 points.
Sezer AFŞAR / ISTANBUL, (DHA)
