Pau Gasol, Spain hold off Nigeria 96-87 in men’s basketball

Spain had a chance to retake the lead and victory but Sergio Lull missed as the buzzer expired.

Spain got yet another scare from the African underdogs, who led by a point to start the final period, fueled by an eventual 13 3-pointers including 7 from red-hot shooting guard Chamberlain Oguchi.

“It was a little insane at the end, but I was so happy to be part of that”, Neto said. “We always did that”.

It also set up his apology to Gasol.

“I understand the crowd”. “But I would like to apologize in the name of the Brazilian people”. “I didn’t want it to be a distraction, but I knew and certainly when whatever was detonated went off I think it was something everybody noticed”. Alex Garcia and Augusto Lima added 9 points each for Brazil.

Stats Don’t Lie: Spain were 21-of-26 at the free-throw line while Nigeria were 16-of-21. “They were able to lift them up and nearly get them over the finish line”, Brazil coach Ruben Magnano said. He scored 11 points and reduced Neto’s playing time.

“Until somebody says different, we’ve got a chance. We just kind of looked around and said, ‘What’s going on?'” said Gasol. “We have to be ready for a few more battles”.

“I trust in my teammates”. “Challenging, not bad because this is not bad until you’re out and we are still very in”. However, this Turkey team is their toughest opponent to date so how they do will be intriguing and ultimately tone-setting in Rio. “We thought maybe nobody came to watch the game”.

Llull and Brazil’s Nene each made a free throw to set the stage for the decisive final basket. Plunging down the right side of the lane, Gasol back-pedaled, preparing to sway a Huertas lay-up attempt, but instead, Huertas pulled up for a leaning jumper that would carom off the rim.

Huertas (11 points) and Marquinhos (10 points) were the only two players in double figures for Brazil.