OLYM – Brazil survive

LONDON (Olympics) - Medal-chasing Brazil almost stumbled at the second hurdle at the Olympics on Tuesday but cleared it – just barely.

Ruben Magnano’s side played just well enough in the fourth quarter to prevail over hosts Great Britain, 67-62.

The veteran coach was happy with his team's defense and pleased with their ability to get good shots.

The only problem, he said, was that Brazil couldn't knock any down.

Brazil, a team many believe can beat the United States, only scored four points in the first quarter.

The shots simply wouldn't go down.

"Never in my life as a coach has this happened," said Magnano, who led the national team of his native Argentina to gold at 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Brazil were just three of 22 from long range in the game.

Britain played with a lot of heart and determination, and led for much of the game.

Assistant coach Nick Nurse once called the rebounds “stat of desire” and Britain won that battle, 41-34.

"We're fighting the whole way," Great Britain coach Chris Finch said.

"We just have to make plays."

For Brazil, the question was asked if struggling against Great Britain, a team that has played at the last two EuroBaskets but no has no real tradition in the sport, was a setback.

"We definitely know that we have an opportunity to go really far in this tournament," Brazil's Leandro Barbosa said.

"The chances are still open, but everyone is still not feeling the way we're supposed to in order to play our best.

"This is the second game.

"I think the more important thing is that we won the game.

"We have a lot of things to fix, and to get better.

"The key for us is to get better each game.

"I think we did better than the first game but we still need to do better on offense and defense."

FIBA