2016 Olympic Games: Game 1 summary
The 2016 Olympic Games kicked off in Rio de Janeiro on Friday with a spectacular opening ceremony. The Basketball tournament tipped off over the weekend with 12 nations lining up over two groups with the ultimate goal of claiming the coveted gold medal.
Six games were played as both groups settled their first games. There was no shortage of excitement and big victories. Not least from the United States, who laid down an early marker for a tournament that they are expected to win. The US has won the last two tournament and the 2016 Olympic Games are predicted to be a procession for the team.
Of course, sport does not always work that way, especially hoops. With that in mind there were plenty of countries staking their own early claims to go deep into the competition in Brazil over the next two week.
Group A
Australia vs. France, 87-66
With NBA favourite Ton Parker, European fixture Thomas Huertal, and current Euroleague MVP Nando De Colo in its ranks, France as the firepower to be dangerous. However, Australia made easy work of the Europeans in what was the shock result of the opening day. France looked sluggish and allowed the Aussies to hit an impressive 51 points in the second half to cruise to victory.
China vs. United States, 62-119
The United States went into this contest as overwhelming favourties, a position that leads to a slippery slope sometimes. However, the US is experienced in dealing with expectations and the defending champions tore China apart. It was a fantastic opening to the 2016 Olympic Games for the 14-time winner, besting the Chinese all over the hardwood. China’s Jianlian Yi stood out as the only double digit scorer in the losing effort, scoring 25 points.
Venezuela vs. Serbia, 62-86
Serbia tipped off its Olympics with a fine win over Lithuania, the European proving too strong for the South Americans in Rio. The second quarter made a huge difference on the road to victory as Serbia clicked both in offence and defence for a splendid period that ended 9-26. The Serbs were able to shit the game down in the second half, paced by Bogdan Bogdanovic with 19 points.
Group B
Brazil vs. Lithuania, 76-82
As tournament hopes, Brazil will hope that a partisan crowd and familiarity of the location can propel them deep into the competition. However, Lithuania entered the cauldron and came away with a good win to start its Olympics with a bang. The Europeans were explosive in the first half, scoring 58 points. Brazil reversed the momentum in the second half, but Lithuania had too many points in the bank and took the win.
Croatia vs. Spain, 72-70
Spain are always among the fancied teams to give the US trouble later in an Olympics tournament, such is the pedigree of the Spanish roster. However, Croatia managed to pick up an impressive victory over the team on Sunday. The Croats have a good team, so it is hard to say this was a shock, look out for Croatia as a potential dark horse. They were actually trailing 47-54 through thirty minutes, but 25 points in the fourth act stunned Spain and sent a message to the rest of Group B.
Nigeria vs. Argentina
At the time of publication, the teams had not taken to the court. Argentina always carries the pressure of being among the tournament favourites. Of course, the country was the last to win gold that wasn’t the United States and is expected to trump Nigeria in the first game.