Three exciting games gave basketball fans around the world a treat on day two of the Olympic Games in Rio. It was a day of second half surges, teams rallying after being down for a significant portion of the game. Even without Team USA playing, there was a lot of talent and flair on show.
Spain, with a team of NBA stars – top players such as Pau Gasol of the San Antonio Spurs and Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves, as well as numerous others – were surprised by a Croatian team which stepped it up massively in the last quarter.
Meanwhile, medal hopefuls Lithuania had to edge out a game against the home nation which looked very comfortable up till half time, and saw a 30 point lead wither away to just 4.
The third game in Group B saw Argentina, with two experienced NBA stars, record a comfortable win over Nigeria.
Bogdanovic inspires
Bogdanovic, who plays for the Brooklyn Nets, scored 23 points to inspire Croatia to a 4th quarter comeback against Spain as they won 72-70.
Trailing by 14 points at one instance in the game, Croatia rallied to a surprise win, picking up as many as 5 offensive rebounds in the final quarter.
This was the best game of the opening round of fixtures, with the last two minutes seeing both teams exchanging baskets.
Lithuania hold off brave Brazil
The host nation were close to upsetting favourites Lithuania after seemingly being out of the game at half-time.
Trailing 58-29, Brazil rallied to bring it back to 75-71 before ultimately falling at the last hurdle.
Leandro Barbosa, of the Pheonix Suns, was the star man, scoring 21 points.
Routine for the Argentines
Argentina, Gold medallists in Athens in 2004, recorded a comfortable win in their opening game.
Led by Facundo Campazza, who scored 19 points, Argentina took a 50-31 lead at half time and a 94-66 lead overall.
Highlight of the day
None other than the heroics by Dario Saric. A last second clutch shot by Pau Gasol (which was heading into the basket and would have taken the game to overtime) was brilliantly blocked by the Croatian.