The Unofficial 2008 Beijing Olympics Blog

Every team is looking for a crucial win, either to clinch a quarterfinal spot or secure a higher seed in the next round, on day four of the Olympic Men’s Basketball tournament on Saturday, August 16.

9:00 a.m. (UTC/GMT +8)

Greece vs. Angola (group B)

With a 1-2 record, Greece need one more win to give them a realistic chance to place in the quarterfinals, while 0-3 Angola must win both their two remaining games to progress.

Greece and Germany share the same risk of having to meet the group A No. 1 seed in the next round, so Greece will be looking to defeat Angola by as many points as possible in case points become a tie-breaking factor in the rankings. Luckily for Greece, Angola has the worst defense of any team, conceding 92.3 points per game.

Greece’s leading scorer is guard Vasileios Spanoulis with 17.3 points per game, while Angola is led by forward Carlos Morais with 17 points per game. Overall, Greece is averaging 74 points per game with Angola scoring on average 70.

11:15 a.m. (UTC/GMT +8)

Russia vs. Australia (group A)

Both teams are battling for the final quarterfinal position in group A, and share a 1-2 record. The match will be a battle of Australia’s superior attack, 85.3 points per game compared with Russia’s 76, versus Russia’s strong defense, conceding 73.3 points per game compared with 83.3 for Australia.

Considering each of the teams’ two remaining matches, both Russia and Australia should view this one as their best chance for a win. Australia next plays group A leaders Lithuania while Russia faces Argentina.

2:30 p.m. (UTC/GMT +8)

Croatia vs. Lithuania (group A)

Lithuania has already qualified for the quarterfinals with a 3-0 record while Croatia has won two and lost one. Victory could secure Lithuania the first place spot in group A, depending on other results, while for Croatia it could help secure a top-two seeding. A loss for Croatia, however, will mean there is a chance they could miss out on qualification.

Lithuania is second only to the United States in points scored per game with 88, and also second overall in rebounding with 37.7 boards per game

These two teams met in the 2007 EuroBasket, where Croatian guard Zoran Planinic missed two foul shots with one second left, allowing Lithuania to win 74-72 and advance to the semifinal.

4:45 p.m. (UTC/GMT +8)

Iran vs. Argentina (group A)

Argentina is second to Lithuania in group A and tied on wins and losses with Croatia at 2-1. Manu Ginobili is the tournament’s second-highest scorer with 18 points per game, and leads all players in assists with 5.7 per match. Iran center Hamed Ehadadi continues to lead all players in blocked shots with three per game, but his team remains 0-3 and would only have a chance to advance to the semifinal if it pulls off this unlikely win against the defending Olympic champion.

8:00 p.m. (UTC/GMT +8)

China vs. Germany (group B)

China, Germany and Greece are all tied in Group B with one win and two losses. A win in this game will be crucial for either team, especially considering China will play Greece in their final preliminary game and Germany will face the United States. Germany has been shooting well outside the three-point line, making 42.3 per cent of all attempts - the second-best record in the tournament. China’s defense will need to improve, having conceded 84.7 points per game - the third-worst record of any team.

Yao Ming is averaging 18 points per game and a tournament-high 8.7 rebounds per contest, while Germany’s Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 15.7 points.

After losing 72-59 to Spain in his previous match, Nowitzki reiterated how important this game against China will be. “It’s a must-win situation for us if we are to make it to quarterfinals,” he said. “We knew this before the tournament. They all shoot extremely well. I watched (the China-Spain) game and they should have beaten Spain. It’ll be a tough game with the home crowd. It’s certainly a home court advantage but it’ll be fun.”

10:15 p.m. (UTC/GMT +8)

Spain vs. United States (group B)

The result of this game will determine who finishes on top in Group B. Both teams go into the game with 3-0 records. The United States has the best offensive production of any team, scoring 96.7 points per game, while Spain has the defensive advantage over their opponents, conceding 66.7 points per game compared to Team USA with 71.7.

Dwayne Wade leads all scorers with 18.3 points per game and is shooting 76 percent from the field. Forward Pau Gasol leads Spain’s scorers with 17.7 points per game while also hauling in 6.7 rebounds per contest.

credit : http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/sports/headlines/basketball/n214547280.shtml

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