By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Venezuela stormed through China with 72-68 on Wednesday night to take its first step toward advancing to quarterfinal in Rio. The Chinese have a 0-3 run and are unlikely to qualify for the next round.
Venezuela’s power forward Nestor Colmenares made two decisive plays in the game down the stretch. He took charge with 38.4 seconds remaining and Venezuela holding a one-point lead. After forcing the turnover, he hit a three over 6-foot-11 Yi Jianlian with 15.8 seconds left to seal the win for his team. He was Venezuela’s first scorer, leading with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
For China, Yi Jianlian scored a game-high of 18 points.
Venezuela now stands at 1-2, with hopes of something better further down the competition.
