Syracuse, N.Y. ― The Bahamas, the Cinderella story in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament, fell one game short of earning a trip to the 2024 Paris Olympics with an 86-78 loss to Spain in Valencia on Sunday.
Bahamas, whose roster included Syracuse-bound freshman Donnie Freeman, entered the Olympic Qualifying tournament ranked 57th in the world. But the underdog team defeated three straight higher-ranked foes to advance to the final against home-standing Spain, which is FIBA’s No. 2-ranked team.
Spain, featuring former NBA center Willy Hernangomez, proved to be too much for the Bahamas. The home favorites went 23-for-25 at the free throw line, while Bahamas managed just 13 makes on 15 attempts. Hernangomez put up 15 points and seven rebounds.
Buddy Hield, who recently joined the Golden State Warriors, scored 19 for the Bahamas. DeAndre Ayton, of the Portland Trail Blazers, added 17 points.
Freeman, a 6-foot-10 forward out of Washington D.C., did not play in Sunday’s championship game. Freeman made just one appearance in the Bahamas’ four games in Valencia.
It was the first time in the country’s history that the Bahamas had made it to the championship game of an Olympic Qualifying tournament. The Bahamas’ run to the final included wins over No. 20 Finland, No. 15 Poland and No. 28 Lebanon.
Contact Mike Waters anytime: Email | Twitter
Stories by Mike Waters
- JJ Starling on playing more point guard, handling the ball: ‘That’s what I’ve done all my life’
- Former Syracuse player Cole Swider helps Miami Heat to NBA Summer League title
- Judah Mintz finishes strong: How did former Syracuse players, CNY products fare in NBA’s Summer League?
- Kiyan Anthony update: Big game with Carmelo, Ja Morant watching, scheduling visits and listing top schools