Caboclo propels Brazil to OQT debut win over Montenegro
Brazil went off to a good start against Vucevic’s Montenegro at the Arena Riga, with the South American team overcoming an early deficit to go 1-0 in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
It was not easy for the Carioca, as Montenegro started strong with Popovic’s hot-hand from behind the ark and Simonovic providing 15 points and 6 boards.
The Montenegrin built a 10-point cushion early in the first half through Vucevic’s 8 points in the first quarter.
Then Coach Petrovic turned to a luxury bench, introducing Caboclo, Neto, and Santos. Bruno Caboclo gave Brazil the hustle that they needed on the defensive end, while providing a great outlet for the pick & roll on the other end.
The big man effectively battled NBA All-star Nikola Vucevic and energized Brazil with a number of spectacular dunks off the pick & roll with Yago Santos, still not 100%, to cut the deficit to single digit.
Huertas and Meindl find the rhythm
For Marcelinho Huertas of Lenovo Tenerife, it must have felt like revenge: once again, he finds himself in front of Kendrick Perry of Unicaja Malaga, the man that stripped him of the BCL Trophy in Belgrade just a few weeks ago.
The Brazilian veteran played an unusual offensive role, scoring rather than assisting, and ended with 17 points.
Brazil took command early in the 4th, but Montenegro stayed up close right until the end. Vucevic scores point 15,16, and 17 to put Montenegro within 3 points of Brazil with a triple from the top of the key with just one minute remaining.
However, it was Marcelinho Huertas that had the last say after a beautiful possession from Brazil. The point guard receives off The point guard receives off Meindl at the top of the key and buries the 78-72 three-pointer that gives Brazil the win, matching Vucevic's 17-point tally.
Bruno Caboclo dominated the paint with 25 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 blocks.
