Deandre Ayton and The Bahamas fell simply in need of attaining the primary Olympic basketball berth within the nation’s historical past Sunday, shedding 86-78 to Spain within the 2024 FIBA Qualifying Finals in Valencia, Spain.
The Portland Path Blazers heart completed with 17 factors on 8-14 taking pictures, 14 rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes of motion. The efficiency rounded out a strong displaying for Ayton all through the FIBA Qualifying Event in Valencia. In 4 video games, he averaged 19.5 factors and 11.8 rebounds whereas taking pictures 64.2% from the sphere.
Sharpshooter Buddy Hield, lately acquired by the Golden State Warriors, led The Bahamas within the remaining with 19 factors whereas new Philadelphia 76ers signee Eric Gordon added 15 factors.
On Spain’s aspect, former Blazer Rudy Fernandez, 39, registered 9 factors, two rebounds and two assists. Guard Lorenzo Brown scored a team-high 18 factors, together with 4-5 taking pictures on 3-pointers.
The Bahamas entered the ultimate as underdogs. Whereas the nation hung in in opposition to Spain, it by no means recovered from a 25-17 second quarter by Spain that ended up being the distinction within the sport. An enormous free-throw benefit for Spain didn’t assist The Bahamas both. Spain shot 23-25 from the charity stripe, in contrast with 10-13 for The Bahamas. Spain additionally gained the turnover battle 15-11.