PIRAEUS, Greece, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Greece is heading back to the Olympic Games after a 16-year absence following an 80-69 victory over Croatia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) here on Sunday.
Greece, which last participated in the Olympics in 2008, finishing fifth, secured the only berth available with a perfect 4-0 record. The other three tickets to Paris will be decided in the remaining OQTs.
After a tight first quarter tied at 22-22, the game was deadlocked again at 29-29 in the second quarter before Greece pulled away with an 8-0 run.
Mario Hezonja, who scored 10 out of his 15 points in the first half, helped Croatia close the gap to 40-39 before Greece called the break at 45-39.
Greek center Georgios Papagiannis scored 16 points in the first half, including four 3-pointers. Guard Nick Calathes took over in the third quarter, leading Greece to a 66-53 advantage before the final period.
Croatia never really closed in the fourth quarter as Greece still led 77-65 with one minute left on the clock.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a game-high 23 points and eight rebounds, while Papagiannis contributed 19 points. Croatia's Ivica Zubac finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds. ■
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