GRE/LIB – No Greek drama as Yannakis’ men win over Lebanon

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ATHENS (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men) -Another game, another win for Greece.

The team everyone expects to claim a spot at the Beijing Games via the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament stayed undefeated this summer by overpowering short-handed Lebanon 119-62 in the last game of the opening day’s play.

Panagiotis Yannakis’ men won all of their friendlies in the build-up to the event, including three victories here in Athens at the Acropolis Tournament, and they will attempt to remain unbeaten in Wednesday’s game against Brazil.

Greece opened up a 16-4 lead midway through the opening quarter and by half-time, the result was all but assured as the home side were on top 54-27.

Antonis Fotsis, who was a big absentee last summer at the EuroBasket because of a finger injury, continued his excellent play for the home side with 14 points – 11 in the first quarter when Greece took control.

Kostas Tsartsaris had a team-high 15 for the Greeks while Fadi El Khatib scored 14 for the Lebanese.

Lebanon did not have the services of Joe Vogel, the country’s veteran center who got hurt during the preparations.

They must beat Brazil on Tuesday to keep alive their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

FIBA